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Protula magnifica
Also referred to as Protula bispiralis, and also known as Coco Worm and Magnificent Feather Duster Worm. P. magnifica is a sessile invertebrate that anchors its tail to the substrate or coral head and secretes a mineral tube around its body. It can withdraw into this tube when threatened. Its feather-like gills are arranged in a double spiral (colors vary). Tube worms are filter feeders and feed on zooplankton.
Found embedded in hard coral heads, or on sandy bottoms. Distribution: from the Red Sea to the Indo-Pacific.
This truly magnificent-looking tube worm was ensconced in a lobed cactus coral (Lobophyllia flabelliformis) at a depth of about 15m. Spotted this at a dive site called San Juan Reef, off the western coast of Samal Island in the Philippines, but I see them everywhere I dive in the Davao Gulf.
Spotted on Aug 12, 2012
Submitted on Aug 13, 2012
12 Comments
Must have been an incredible sight to see this in person! Absolutely beautiful!
Thanks, Luis and Harsha!
Yeah, I thought of Avatar too when I was shooting the video. I'm sure the movie writers were inspired by tube worms! :)
Really magnificent! Love that video.
I watched the video, it looks it came from the movie Avatar. Also, I'm impressed by the water clarity.
Thank you for the compliment,, nexttogone! :")
I'm in awe over this shot!
Yup, it's very pretty! Thanks guys!
Pretty...
Is it called "Magnificent" tube worm? Magnificent! =) =)
Wow! Fascinating!!
It sure is, Luis! Watch out for the video -- uploading to Youtube now.
Another beauty from the sea.