Giant Feather Duster (Sabellastarte indica) Care Guide
Sabellastarte indica is an Indo-Pacific sabellid feather duster that builds a sediment tube and filters plankton from the water.
Overview
Sabellastarte indica is a sabellid feather duster worm. According to Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine it builds a leathery tube up to about 25 cm (10 in) long from sand, detritus, mucus and sediment, and extends a single crown of mottled reddish-brown and white feather-like filaments about 5-10 cm (2-4 in) in diameter. The crown serves both respiration and suspension feeding.
Taxonomy
- Phylum: Annelida
- Class: Polychaeta
- Family: Sabellidae
- Scientific name: Sabellastarte indica
Habitat
Per Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine the species occurs in the tropical Indo-Pacific and Red Sea, with tubes embedded in shaded sandy and muddy rubble of lagoons and bays where suspended food is plentiful.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Salinity: 1.024-1.026 SG
- dKH: 8-11
- Adult size: 8-15 cm crown; tube up to about 25 cm
- Lifespan: 2-5 years
Diet
It is a suspension feeder. Per Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine the slime-coated filaments collect suspended particulate matter and plankton, and it requires frequent feedings, at least every other day, with fresh or preserved zooplankton and phytoplankton additives applied near and under the crown.
Compatibility
Peaceful, but per Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine it is not reef-safe with triggerfishes, wrasses, angelfishes, most shrimp and arrow crabs, which may pick at the crown. Because it is not photosynthetic, place it near or at the bottom of the tank where suspended particulate matter is more concentrated.