Feather Duster Worm Red-White
Feather Duster Worm Red-White
Species: Feather Duster Worm (Sabellastarte spp.)
Growth Form: Tube-dwelling marine worm
Coloration: Varies—brown, tan, white, purple, banded crowns
Temperament: Peaceful
Tank Size: 20+ gallons
Placement: Rockwork or substrate (anchored tube)
Lighting: Low to moderate
Flow: Low to moderate (gentle flow preferred)
Diet: Filter feeder (phytoplankton, microfauna, suspended particles)
Feeding: Regular phytoplankton feeding required in low-nutrient systems
Reef Safe: Yes
Care Level: Moderate
Feather Duster Worm
Available for local pickup and shipping
Common Names:
Feather Duster Worm
Tube Worm
Fan Worm
Sabellastarte spp.
Identification
Feather Duster Worms are beautiful filter-feeding invertebrates known for their soft, fan-like crown of feathery tentacles that extend from a protective tube. These crowns come in a variety of colors including brown, tan, white, purple, and banded combinations, adding graceful movement and elegance to reef aquariums. The worm itself remains hidden within a leathery tube, quickly retracting when disturbed.
Size:
Typically grows up to 3–7 inches (7–18 cm) including the crown.
Behavior & Role in a Reef Tank
Temperament:
Peaceful and completely non-aggressive.
Habitat:
Stationary; lives inside its tube attached to rock or substrate. Extends its crown to filter feed and retracts instantly if threatened.
Diet:
Filter feeder—consumes phytoplankton, microfauna, and suspended organic particles from the water column.
Compatibility & Caution
Reef-Safe:
Yes—completely reef safe and will not harm corals or fish.
Functional Role:
Helps improve water quality by filtering fine particles and plankton from the water.
Caution:
Sensitive to sudden parameter changes. Avoid housing with fish that may pick at the crown such as butterflyfish, some wrasses, and angelfish.
Care Level
Difficulty:
Moderate—requires stable conditions and regular feeding in low-nutrient systems.
Water Conditions:
Stable reef parameters recommended:
Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
Specific Gravity: 1.023–1.025
pH: 8.1–8.4
Diet:
Requires regular feeding of phytoplankton or fine particulate foods, especially in ultra-clean reef systems where natural food is limited.
Tank Mates
Best kept with peaceful, reef-safe fish and invertebrates.
Avoid species known to nip at worms or sessile invertebrates.
Fun Fact
Feather Duster Worms can shed and regrow their crowns if stressed or threatened—this is a natural defense mechanism, and with proper care, a new crown will regenerate over time!