Feather Duster

Assorted Feather Duster – Sabella spp. / Sabellastarte spp. (Fan Worm)

The Assorted Feather Duster is a striking tube-dwelling worm known for its vibrant crown of radioles that fan out to filter-feed from the water column. These worms typically reach up to 4 inches in length, with their colorful feathery crowns creating a beautiful display in reef aquariums. Peaceful and entirely reef-safe, they spend most of their time partially buried in their self-constructed tubes of mucus, detritus, and sediment. Feather Dusters may occasionally drop their crowns due to stress, poor water quality, or insufficient feeding—yet this does not necessarily indicate death, as their feathers often regrow with improved conditions.

A mature aquarium with stable parameters and a sandbed is ideal for these delicate filter feeders. Add them only to well-established tanks, as they are sensitive to salinity swings, elevated nitrates, and any copper-based medications. Provide gentle to moderate flow to deliver suspended foods but avoid placing them in high-energy zones where their tubes may be dislodged.

As filter feeders, Assorted Feather Dusters benefit from regular offerings of PE Cyclopods, Hikari Rotifers, phytoplankton, or similar fine particulate foods such as PolypLabs ReefRoids. Target feeding near their crown can help ensure they receive adequate nutrition in low-nutrient systems.

Approximate product size (in inches): 2–4"