Scott & Jeanette Johnson, Kwajalein Unterwater
Info
Spirobranchus gardineri lives symbiotically in various hermatypic stony corals such as Porites lichen, Millepora sp., Cyphastrea sp., Gardenoseris planulata, Porites lutea and Pavona varians.
This worm species is most easily recognized by its operculum, which is located on a rather long stalk and is adorned with a rod that ends in branches with sharp tips.
The multi-tipped rod protrudes from the hole when the worm retracts.
Divers have the opportunity to observe several different species in the Gulf of Aqaba (Gulf of Eilat), including Spirobranchus gaymardi, Spirobranchus cruciger and Spirobranchus corniculatus), Spirobranchus cf. tetraceros, Spirobranchus gardineri and a new species, Spirobranchus aloni, which is probably endemic to the Red Sea
Etymology:
The species name "gardineri" refers to Prof. John Stanley Gardiner (* January 24, 1872; † February 28, 1946), a British zoologist and pioneer in the study of tropical coral reefs.
Similar species: Spirobranchus richardsmithi Pillai, 2009
We would like to thank Scott & Jeanette Johnson for the great photos from Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands.
This worm species is most easily recognized by its operculum, which is located on a rather long stalk and is adorned with a rod that ends in branches with sharp tips.
The multi-tipped rod protrudes from the hole when the worm retracts.
Divers have the opportunity to observe several different species in the Gulf of Aqaba (Gulf of Eilat), including Spirobranchus gaymardi, Spirobranchus cruciger and Spirobranchus corniculatus), Spirobranchus cf. tetraceros, Spirobranchus gardineri and a new species, Spirobranchus aloni, which is probably endemic to the Red Sea
Etymology:
The species name "gardineri" refers to Prof. John Stanley Gardiner (* January 24, 1872; † February 28, 1946), a British zoologist and pioneer in the study of tropical coral reefs.
Similar species: Spirobranchus richardsmithi Pillai, 2009
We would like to thank Scott & Jeanette Johnson for the great photos from Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands.
