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Animal profile

Palolo Worm

Palola viridis

PolychaetaCrevices in coral reef rock in shallow tropical water

Field profile

The palolo worm is a reef-dwelling eunicid polychaete that spends most of its life hidden in coral rock. Once a year the rear portion of its body detaches and swims to the surface carrying gametes. The swarms are harvested and eaten across parts of Polynesia.

Scope note

This is an editorial profile, not a diagnostic field-identification guide or a substitute for current conservation assessments. Follow the cited sources on each fact for the evidence trail.

Published field notes

2023-05-06

Palolo Worm

The palolo worm spawns on a predictable lunar date

Once a year, in the days around the last quarter moon of October or November, the rear half of the palolo worm breaks off and rises to the surface to release gametes. Islanders time the harvest years in advance.

Read with evidence →

Palolo Worm | Daily Animal Facts