Feather Duster Worm (Sabellastarte magnifica) Care Guide

A filter-feeding tube worm with a spectacular fan-shaped crown of feathery tentacles (radioles) used to capture plankton. The crown retracts instantly into the tube when threatened.

Overview

Sabellastarte magnifica is a species in the family Sabellidae. A filter-feeding tube worm with a spectacular fan-shaped crown of feathery tentacles (radioles) used to capture plankton. The crown retracts instantly into the tube when threatened. Completely reef-safe. Crowns may be shed periodically and regrown. Beautiful in groups.

Taxonomy

Family: Sabellidae
Genus: Sabellastarte
Scientific name: Sabellastarte magnifica
Other names: Giant Feather Duster
Origin: Caribbean, Indo-Pacific

Habitat

Sabellastarte magnifica is a tube-dwelling feather duster worm of Caribbean and Indo-Pacific reefs. It filters fine suspended particles from the water with a crown of feathery radioles and withdraws into its leathery tube when disturbed; reef-safe and beneficial.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 40 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 8.1-8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024-1.026
KH: 8-12 dKH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 5-15 cm
Lifespan: 3-5 years
Difficulty: intermediate

Diet

Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: filter feeder. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Position in tank: bottom
Compatible tank mates: Most Reef Fish, Corals
Avoid with: Triggerfish, Pufferfish, Large Wrasses

Reef compatibility

Generally classified as reef-safe: does not feed on stony or soft corals, tridacnid clams or ornamental shrimps under normal conditions.