Feather Duster

Feather Duster: The Graceful Filter Feeder

The Feather Duster (Sabellastarte species), also commonly known as the Giant Feather Duster or Sabellid Worm, is one of the most recognizable and striking invertebrates in the marine aquarium hobby. It is a segmented tube worm that secretes a durable, parchment-like tube, to which it often incorporates surrounding substrate like sand and detritus for reinforcement.

This species is named for its elaborate, fan-shaped crown of tentacles, called radioles, which it extends from the tube's opening to filter the water. These radioles are typically a mix of colors, including tan, orange, brown, and sometimes vibrant purple. The crown diameter can reach up to 4 to 7 inches (10-18 cm) in large specimens.

The Feather Duster is extremely sensitive to stress, particularly rapid fluctuations in water quality (especially low salinity and high nitrates), and the presence of crown-nipping tankmates. When disturbed, it can retract its crown instantly into the safety of its tube. If severely stressed or starved, it may shed its crown entirely, but will typically regenerate a new one if conditions improve within a few weeks.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: The Feather Duster is a sessile Filter Feeder that consumes microscopic food particles suspended in the water column. Its diet consists of phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fine organic particles/detritus. It uses cilia on its radioles to sort particles by size, consuming the smallest ones and using larger ones for tube construction.
• Feeding: In many established reef tanks, these worms may receive enough food from fish and coral feedings. However, for long-term health, supplemental target feeding with a high-quality liquid phytoplankton or finely crushed invertebrate food (like Reef Roids) is highly recommended several times per week. Turn off powerheads and gently squirt the food near the crown.
• Reef Compatibility: Yes. This worm is non-aggressive and poses no threat to corals or motile invertebrates. It is an excellent natural water filter, helping to remove excess nutrients.
• Temperament: Peaceful. The main compatibility concern is predation. Avoid housing them with fish known to nip at or eat their crowns, such as Triggerfish, Pufferfish, Large Angelfish, Butterflyfish, and certain species of Wrasses or Shrimp (like the Arrow Crab).
• Placement: It should be placed in a secure location in the sand bed or anchored firmly between live rock, often with the tube partially buried. They prefer moderate, non-turbulent flow that carries food past their crown.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Sabellastarte sp.
• Primary Common Name: Feather Duster
• Other Common Names: Giant Feather Duster, Sabellid Worm, Hawaiian Feather Duster
• Origin: Indo-Pacific (Widespread)
• Max Size (Crown Diameter): 4 – 7 inches (10-18 cm)
• Temperament: Peaceful (Sessile)
• Diet: Filter Feeder (Phytoplankton, Zooplankton, Fine Particulate)
• Minimum Tank Size: 20-30 Gallons (Requires stable water quality)
• Reef Compatibility: Yes (Excellent filter and ornamental addition)