Feather Duster

Feather Dusters, as they are commonly known in the hobby, are an extremely common species of marine tube worm that occur in marine environments worldwide. These animals are highly unique and are among the most popular filter feeders in the hobby. Living in a tube which they secrete themselves, feather dusters, while not capable of sight, are highly aware of their surroundings Unlike some other filter feeders (clams, sponges, etc.) that force water through the body to filter out food, Feather Dusters hunt for food by sprawling out their feeding tentacles and simply using their high surface area to comb through the surrounding water as it flows by, capturing small particles of food and planktonic organisms as they do. These animals do best in an established aquarium with an abundance of copepods, amphipods and other microfauna. Additionally, feather dusters do best when regularly fed a diet of broadcasted planktonic foods, such as phytoplankton, R.O.E. and copepods.

***Some larger predatory fishes, such as wrasses and butterflyfish, may harass or consume the external appendages of feathers dusters.

Quick Care Guide

Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Filter Feeder
Reef Safe: Yes
Adult Size: Crown up to about 4 inches across
Region: Indo-Pacific
Scientific Name: Sabellastarte spectabilis

Worm, Not Coral

Feather dusters are sometimes mistaken for corals, but they are segmented marine worms. The feathery crown is made of feeding tentacles called radioles, while the worm’s body stays protected inside a flexible, parchment-like tube. This soft tube is what separates the Feather Duster from the Coco Worm, which builds a hard, calcified tube.

Placement and Tank Requirements

Wedge the base of the tube into a rock crevice or bury it a short way into the sand so it stands upright. Choose a spot with moderate, indirect flow that brings food past the crown without constantly folding it over.

An established aquarium with a healthy population of copepods and other microfauna gives this saltwater feather duster the best chance to thrive.

Diet and Feeding

Supplement natural plankton with phytoplankton, rotifers, copepods, oyster eggs, or other fine reef foods two to three times per week. Briefly reduce flow and release the food upstream so it drifts through the crown.

Temperament and Tankmates

Feather dusters are completely peaceful. They coexist well with corals, clams, shrimp, and peaceful fish. Avoid butterflyfish, large wrasses, some dwarf angelfish, and arrow crabs, which may nip or eat the crown.

Reef Compatibility

The Feather Duster is reef safe and makes a graceful addition to mixed reef tanks. It does not sting or compete with corals.

Water Parameters

Temperature: 75–80°F
Specific Gravity: 1.024–1.026
pH: 8.1–8.4
Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

Stable salinity and good water quality are important. Sudden changes are the most common cause of crown loss. Invertebrates are highly sensitive to copper, and copper-treated water or medications should never be added to an aquarium that houses them.

Common Considerations

• Crown loss is not always fatal: A stressed worm may drop its crown. If the tube is left in place and water quality is good, a new crown often regrows over several weeks.

• Never pull the worm from its tube: Handle the tube only, never the crown or the worm inside.

• Retracting is normal: The crown snaps back into the tube when startled and reappears once the worm feels safe.

• Feed fine foods: Regular planktonic feedings help it stay healthy in clean aquariums.