Magnificent Feather Duster (Sabellastarte magnifica) Care Guide
Sabellastarte magnifica is a large Caribbean sabellid tube worm with a showy radiole crown that filters fine organic particles.
Overview
Sabellastarte magnifica is a large marine polychaete of the family Sabellidae. According to Wikipedia it has a crown of branched tentacles, or radioles, forming a plume, displaying an orange-brown colour with white tips, and resides in a tough, leathery tube. It is kept for its appearance and its ability to remove organic particles and improve water quality.
Taxonomy
- Phylum: Annelida
- Class: Polychaeta
- Family: Sabellidae
- Scientific name: Sabellastarte magnifica
Habitat
Per Wikipedia the species inhabits sandy reefs in the Caribbean, where it anchors its leathery tube into the substrate and extends its crown into the current to feed.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Salinity: 1.024-1.026 SG
- dKH: 8-11
- Adult size: 10-20 cm; Wikipedia reports up to 10 cm length with a crown to 15 cm diameter
- Lifespan: 2-5 years
Diet
It is a suspension feeder that removes organic particles from the water, as described by Wikipedia. In aquariums it relies on plankton-rich water and benefits from supplemental phytoplankton and fine particulate foods directed near the crown.
Compatibility
Peaceful and reef-safe with other invertebrates and peaceful fish. Avoid hawkfish and arrow crabs, which may pick at the crown. Position it low in the tank where suspended food concentrates.