In reefs and caves you make a vibrant nest,
Your shells erect majestic, living rocks;
As sunlight burns you scheme whilst taking rest,
But when the night sets in, your case unlocks.
As tendrils slither through the murky brine,
They taste the brackish soup for future prey;
A thousand tiny mouths now wait in line,
Their whispers form a soundscape of dismay.
Amongst the tiny titbits in the dark,
A ghostly, glowing stinger gleams with light;
You brush against its gently throbbing spark,
As mouths and tendrils quiver with delight.
With palate wet and sated by new zest,
You search for other morsels in your nest.
An example of an Astroides calycularis colony with
If our reporting has informed or inspired you, please consider making a donation. Every contribution, no matter the size, empowers us to continue delivering accurate, engaging, and trustworthy science and medical news. Independent journalism requires time, effort, and resources—your support ensures we can keep uncovering the stories that matter most to you.
Join us in making knowledge accessible and impactful. Thank you for standing with us!