Not furry either, still lovely.
Feather Duster Worm
Sabellastarte spp.
Also called Feather duster, Fan worm, Magnificent feather duster (S. magnifica), Indian feather duster worm (S. spectabilis)
From Tropical seas: S. spectabilis is native to the Indian Ocean and Red Sea, while S. magnifica lives on Caribbean reefs.123
At a glance the quick version
Body length: S. spectabilis about 8 cm, S. magnifica about 10 cm. The feathery crown of S. magnifica can reach about 15 cm across.
Looks how to spot one
Segmented worm in a tube with a feathery crown
A tube-dwelling bristle worm that shows only its crown of feathery, branched tentacles, spread like a fan or shuttlecock. The body stays hidden in a tough, leathery tube coated with fine sediment.12
Personality what they are like
A gentle, harmless animal. It snaps its crown back into the tube in an instant when a shadow passes over, then slowly unfurls it again.4
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Sessile: it stays in its tube and only extends or withdraws its crown.34
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Place it where there is gentle, steady flow to bring food past. Add plankton-type foods regularly in a tank without much natural plankton. No grooming needed.4
Home where they are happiest
A marine tank from about 40 L (10 US gal) upward with rock or sand where the tube can be anchored. Retail guidance: 22-26 C, pH 8.0-8.4, specific gravity 1.023-1.025, low to moderate flow.4
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A filter feeder. Tiny hairs on the tentacles drive a water current, and small organic particles and plankton are trapped and carried to the mouth. In aquariums it is fed phytoplankton and zooplankton.134
Company who they like around
Has no social needs and is peaceful toward reef tankmates.4
The story where it all began
The genus was set up by Henrik Krøyer in 1856; the Caribbean species was described much earlier, in 1800. Feather dusters have long been popular in marine aquariums for their looks and for the way they filter particles from the water.521
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- Taxonomy (via Wikipedia)
- Genus Sabellastarte Krøyer, 1856, family Sabellidae, with eight species including S. magnifica (Shaw, 1800) and S. spectabilis (Grube, 1878).5
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Feather Duster Worm. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingDepends on species, many feed from the light and the watervaries
- Salinity checkevery week
- Water testevery week
- Top-upTop up evaporation with fresh RO water, not salt waterevery day
- Water changeAbout 10 to 20% of the waterevery 2 weeks
- Light checkevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Feather Duster Worm?
Feed your feather duster worm plankton-type foods regularly, especially if your tank has little natural plankton. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding depends on the species, as many feed from the light and water. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.413 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Feather Duster Worm eat, and what should it never eat?
It eats tiny organic particles and plankton, like phytoplankton and zooplankton, which it filters from the water. Avoid any large or meaty foods that could harm its delicate crown. Stick to fine plankton-type foods only.134
How much space does a Feather Duster Worm need?
A marine tank of about 40 liters (10 US gallons) or more is suitable, with rock or sand to anchor its tube. This gives it enough room to extend its crown and stay comfortable.4
What temperature, light or water does a Feather Duster Worm need?
Keep water temperature at 22-26°C, pH 8.0-8.4, and specific gravity 1.023-1.025 with low to moderate flow. Furry Diary's plan includes weekly salinity checks and water tests, plus daily top-ups with fresh RO water. For exact levels, ask your vet.4 Pet Wiki plan
How often should I clean a Feather Duster Worm's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a 10-20% water change every two weeks, and daily top-ups with fresh RO water. Also check the light monthly. Gentle cleaning helps keep water quality stable. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Feather Duster Worm live with others?
Yes, it is peaceful and has no social needs, so it can live with other reef tankmates. It will not bother them and is a gentle addition to a community tank.4
How long does a Feather Duster Worm live?
Lifespan varies and is not specified in the provided information. For a more accurate estimate, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.
Can I handle a Feather Duster Worm?
It is best not to handle this worm, as it is sessile and stays in its tube. Handling can stress it and cause it to withdraw its crown. Enjoy watching it from a distance.34
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Where this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
- Sabellastarte spectabilis (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for range, size, colours, tube, feeding, reproduction, aquarium popularity
- Sabellastarte magnifica (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for Caribbean range, size, crown colour, taxonomy
- Sabellastarte spectabilis (SeaLifeBase) sealifebase.seused for habitat, sessile habit, feeding
- Feather Duster (Saltwaterfish.com) saltwaterfish.comused for aquarium care, water parameters, tank size, feeding, behaviour
- Sabellastarte (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for genus taxonomy and species list
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.