Hawaiian Feather Duster
From ReefPedia
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[edit] Hawaiian Feather DusterScientific Name (Sabellastarte sp) Max. Size: 8" Water Flow: Medium Aggression: Peacefull Hardiness: Easy Reef-Safe: Yes
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Physical Description
The Hawaiian Feather Duster, also known as Giant Feather Duster, is a segmented worm that has a large tan or orange fan shaped crown with brown band colorations running through out. It secretes a leathery sheath like tube that protects and supports the body.
Distribution
Hawai'i Indo-Pacific
Taxonomic Stuff you know you Care About
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Annelida
- Subclass: Sedentaria
- Class: Polychaeta
- Genus: Sabellastarte
- Species: santijosephi
Aquarium Conditions
72º- 81ºF; sg 1.023 - 1.025; pH 8.1 - 8.4; dKH 8-12
This duster generally lives at the base of a reef system in sand or rubble which is incorporated into its parchment like tube.
Medium flow water movement is particularly imortant because the fan worm relys on this movement for aeration, excretion and circulation of food.
An established tank is necessary to provide bioplankton such as these three important algae species...Nannochloropsis, Tetraselmis, and Isochyrsis.
Acclimation
Placement of the Feather Duster worm is important so some experimentation may be needed. Medium flow areas are best and some do better when placed wedged between the rockwork and substrate while many can be placed wedged in the rockwork itself. The acclimation period may take a week or more. In this period, the worm will adhere to the rockwork and become more stable.
Behavior
Feather Dusters will occasionally shed their "crown". In these instances it will hide in it's tube for weeks at a time. When it finally comes out many times it has a bigger crown.
Feeding
Plankton, organic detritus.
Cultured phytoplankton, liquid organic foods.
It is important when adding food to your tank that you turn off your skimmer for a minimum of 1 hour to ensure proper nurishment. Occasional stirring of the substrate in order to kick up orgainic matter into the water column is appreciated.
Reproduction
Social Structure
Fan worms do not rely on others for their survival.
Additional Notes
When considering a Feather Duster for your aquarium, it is important to make sure that the rest of the animals are compatible. Many fish such as dwarf angels are known to bibble on the crown while some predatory starfish also prey on feather dusters.
