Feather Duster Worm

The Feather Duster Worm (Sabellastarte spp.) is a classic reef invertebrate: a sedentary tube worm that extends an elaborate crown of feathery radioles in delicate spirals of brown, white, and banded tan, used simultaneously for filter feeding and respiration. The crown retracts instantly at any disturbance and re-emerges slowly – a behavior endlessly fascinating to observe in a well-established reef. Feather Dusters are passive filter feeders that benefit from regular supplementation with phytoplankton and dissolved organic nutrients; systems with regular coral feeding regimens typically support them well without additional attention. Position in gentle, indirect flow where the crown can remain fully extended for maximum display. Compatible with most peaceful reef inhabitants; avoid pairing with known tubeworm-predating wrasses.