How to Experience the Palolo Season in Samoa

© Wikipedia

What are Palolo Worms?

Palolo worms, their scientific name palola viridis or eunice viridis, are a species of Polychaeta worm from the Eunicida order. They inhabit the crevices and cavities of shallow coral reefs in the central and south Pacific in countries like Fiji, Tonga, the Cook Islands, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and, of course, Samoa.

Palolo Worm Lifecycle

Adult palolo are about 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 “) long and are either reddish brown if male or bluish green if female. Their bodies have ringlike segments equipped with appendages bearing gills. They have sensory tentacles on their head and a mouth that essentially thrusts from inside their neck that is armed with teeth.

As the breeding season approaches, the back portions of the palolo go through a radical change. While the muscles and many organs degenerate, the reproductive organs increase in size ready to be carried up by limbs that have grown more paddlelike.

Once breeding season arrives, which is during the early morning for two days during the last quarter of the October moon and usually again (and in greater numbers) during the final quarter of the November moon, the palolo backs partway from its burrow and the “tail” section of the worm breaks free and swims to the surface to release sperm or eggs.

Fertilised eggs develop into trochophore larvae, which metamorph into a lengthened body during the juvenile stage, and later develop into adults.

Back at the head end of the palolo worm, it begins to regenerate a new tail end. The lifespan of a palolo worm is unknown but is thought to be about four to eight years.

© Samoa Tourism Authority

How Do Samoans Celebrate the Palolo Season

The rising of the tails of the palolo worm not only attracts predatory fish, but the people of Samoa celebrate the occasion as a time to catch a rare seafood delicacy.

Equipped with homemade nets, buckets and torches/lanterns, some on foot while others are in paopao (outrigger canoes), many Samoans flock to the reefs just before dawn on the waning moon of October and November. Exposure of the palolo tail to the sunlight destroys the tail, so it’s important to scoop up the worm before sunrise!

On the days following the palolo rising, Samoans will throw feasts to celebrate their bounty and proudly sell their catch at the local markets and roadside stalls.

Each year, there is also a Palolo Festival held at a different village and venue. In the past, Va-i-Moana Seaside Lodge has been a proud host of this event, so keep an eye on this accommodation or on the Samoa Tourism events page for where the next Palolo Festival is taking place.

© SamoaPocketGuide.com

Where to Try Palolo in Samoa

Palolo is usually only available to try up to a few weeks after the Palolo Rising event (as a reminder, that’s the last quarter of the October and/or November moon). You’ll find palolo being sold either in its raw or cooked form at the local markets – see 8 Best Markets in Samoa, or on the specials boards of restaurants if you’re lucky!

Alternatively, if you attend the Palolo Festival or join the locals in gathering palolo during the rise, chances are you’ll meet a friendly Samoan who will be happy to prepare some to try.

How is Palolo Eaten?

Palolo can be eaten raw or, more commonly, it is fried with butter, onion and/or eggs. In either form, it is usually spread on toast.