Abstract

This study involves the preferences of Christmas Tree Worms (Spirobranchus giganteus) at Onekahakaha, in Hilo, Hawaii. Spirobranchus giganteus occurs on many species of hard corals at Onekahakaha Beach Park, however, the worms appear to inhabit four species of coral in abundance including Porites lobata(lobe coral), Montipora verrucosa(rice coral), Montipora flabellata(blue rice coral), Montipora patula(ringed rice coral). These data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance and a contingency table. These data indicate that Spirobranchus giganteus worms do not appear to have a preference to inhabit any of the four coral species. Furthermore, the coloration of the worms does not appear to have any correlation to the coral species the worm inhabits.



Jason McWreath
Copyright 5/15/97