Feather duster worm
Sabellastarte spectabilis
InvertebratesSaltwater
- Care level
- Moderate
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Reef safe
- Yes
- Recommended tank
- 80 L
- Maximum size
- 15 cm
- Temperature
- 24–27 °C
- pH
- 8–8.4
- Diet
- Planktivore
Care at a glance
The feather duster worm builds a leathery tube from which it unfolds a beautiful, fan-shaped crown of tentacles to filter plankton from the water. At the slightest movement it whips that crown back inside, only to emerge cautiously again a moment later.
It needs fine suspended food, so in a spotless tank without supplementary feeding it falls short. Set its tube upright in the sand or between rocks in a spot with moderate flow, and do not be alarmed if it sheds its crown once: this happens under stress, and usually a new one grows back.
Good to know
Related species
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Values are mainstream hobbyist guidance, not gospel — always watch what your own animals need.