Feather Duster Worm

The Feather Duster Worm (Sabellastarte magnifica) is a captivating marine invertebrate known for its elegant, fan-like crown of feathery appendages. These worms are popular additions to reef aquariums due to their unique appearance and beneficial filter-feeding behavior.

Essential Information:

• Common Names: Feather Duster Worm, Giant Feather Duster
• Scientific Name: Sabellastarte magnifica
• Family: Sabellidae
• Origin/Habitat: Found in the Caribbean Sea and Western Atlantic Ocean, typically inhabiting coral reefs and rocky substrates.
• Maximum Size: Up to 10 inches (25 cm) in length
• Lifespan: Approximately 1–2 years in captivity
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate; requires stable water conditions and regular feeding
• Reef Safe: Yes; considered reef-safe

Appearance & Physical Traits:

• Coloration & Pattern: Features a prominent crown of radioles (feather-like structures) that can display various colors, including shades of brown, white, yellow, and purple.
• Body Shape & Structure: Possesses a soft, segmented body encased in a parchment-like tube from which the crown extends.

Habitat & Environmental Needs:

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (75 liters)
• Water Temperature: 72–83°F (22–28°C)
• pH Level: 8.1–8.2
• Specific Gravity: 1.024–1.026
• Aquascape: Requires a well-established reef tank with live rock and sandy substrate to anchor their tubes. Moderate to low water flow is ideal to facilitate feeding without dislodging the worm.

Diet & Feeding:

• Diet Type: Filter feeder
• Preferred Foods: Feeds on suspended microplankton and organic particles in the water column. Supplemental feedings of phytoplankton and zooplankton are recommended to ensure adequate nutrition.
• Feeding Frequency: Regular feedings several times a week, depending on the availability of natural food sources in the aquarium.

Behavior & Compatibility:

• Temperament: Non-aggressive and peaceful
• Social Behavior: Solitary; does not require companions and may retract into its tube when threatened or exposed to sudden changes in light or water movement.
• Tank Mate Compatibility: Compatible with most reef-safe fish and invertebrates. Avoid housing with species known to prey on feather duster worms, such as certain butterflyfish, large angelfish, and predatory invertebrates like decorator crabs and peppermint shrimp.
• Activity Level: Sessile; remains stationary within its tube, extending its crown to feed.

Care Considerations & Additional Notes:

• Ease of Care: Requires stable water parameters and regular feeding to thrive. Sensitive to poor water quality and elevated nitrate levels.
• Special Requirements: Avoid the use of copper-based medications, as they are toxic to invertebrates. Ensure the aquarium is free of predators that may harm the worm.
• Breeding Info: Breeding in captivity is rare and not well-documented. Feather duster worms are broadcast spawners, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column.
• Additional Notes: Feather duster worms may occasionally shed their crown, a process known as "dropping," which can occur due to stress or suboptimal water conditions. The crown typically regenerates over time if conditions improve.