Feather Duster

Feather Duster: Elegant Filter-Feeding Tubeworm

Feather Dusters (Sabellastarte sp.) are beautiful filter-feeding tubeworms that add graceful movement and natural elegance to reef aquariums. These fascinating invertebrates extend delicate, feathery crowns in various colors to capture plankton and detritus from the water column, creating a mesmerizing display while contributing to water quality and biological filtration.

Why Feather Dusters?

• Beautiful feathery crowns in a variety of natural colors
• Natural filter feeder that helps remove particulates and improve water clarity
• Adds graceful, flowing movement to your reefscape
• Reef-safe and beneficial to the aquarium ecosystem
• Hardy and adaptable once properly acclimated
• Fascinating feeding behavior as the crown captures food from water flow

Care Requirements:

• Temperature: 72-78°F
• Salinity: 1.023-1.025
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Low to moderate lighting - not photosynthetic
• Moderate water flow for optimal feeding (too strong will keep crown retracted)
• Target feed phytoplankton, rotifers, or fine particulate foods 3-4 times per week
• Stable calcium and alkalinity for tube maintenance

Placement: Position the tube securely in sand bed or rockwork where the crown can extend into water flow without being blasted. The worm will quickly retract if disturbed but will re-extend once it feels safe. Avoid placing near aggressive corals, powerheads, or in high-traffic areas.

Important Notes: Feather dusters are sensitive to sudden changes in water parameters and require careful acclimation. Never expose the worm to air during acclimation or handling. The crown may retract frequently during the first few days as the worm acclimates - this is normal. In rare cases of extreme stress, the worm may abandon its tube and build a new one.

Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons with stable reef parameters.

Each Feather Duster is carefully quarantined and inspected to ensure you receive a healthy specimen ready to add graceful beauty and natural filtration to your reef aquarium.