Calcareous Tubeworm Embedded among Bryozoan

Description

This feathery plume structure belongs not to a bird but to a calcareous tubeworm, and is used for respiration and filter feeding. An adult's plume usually has about 40 radioles, red, pink or orange and usually banded with white. If disturbed, the worm can pull back quickly into its tube of calcite and aragonite, which it often seals with a plug called an operculum.