Reef-dweling Christmas tree worms (Spirobranchus, Serpulidae, Polychaeta), on Porites Corals : Densities and age structure

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the densities and age structure of Christmas tree worms Spirobranchus sp. (Serpulidae, Polychaeta), on colonies of massive stony corals of the genus Porites, which have not been reported before in the region. Pulau Sempu, East Java, Indonesia. Pulau Sempu is a small island and also the sole remaining nature reserve within the region of. This small island is encompassed by shallow and narrow fringing reefs, characterized by a composition of algae and an occurrence of hard corals, specifically from genera Porites, Pocillopora, and Coelastrea (formerly known as Goniastrea). The majority of Porites specimens creating a narrow reef encompassing the island is colonized by boring polychaets known as the Christmas tree worms, Spirobranchus sp., which inhabit the interior of coral skeletons. Studies were carried out in two specific locations within the nature reserve Pulau Sempu, i.e., Watu Mejo and Waru-Waru. Two species: Spirobranchus corniculatus and Spirobranchus cruciger, have been identified dwelling on corals. Our findings indicated that the density of the worms residing in large Porites was 8.62 individuals/ m2 in Watu Mejo and 9.02 individuals/m2 in Waru-Waru. The age of the worms found on Pulau Sempu, as determined by operculum size, ranged between 14 and 22 years. Worm age differ among study sites with older individuals observed at Waru-Waru.