Quick Stats
Easy |
Temperament
Peaceful |
Color Form
Brown, White, Tan |
Diet
Filter Feeder |
Reef Compatible
Yes |
sg 1.023-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4 |
Max. Size
6-8 inches (feather crown) |
Family
Sabellidae |
Minimum Tank Size
20 gallons |
|
Description
The Large Feather Duster is a captivating marine invertebrate known for its intricate and delicate feather-like crown, which it uses to filter plankton and other small particles from the water. With its soft shades of brown, white, and tan, the Feather Duster adds elegance and movement to any reef aquarium, making it a popular choice among aquarists. Its peaceful temperament and reef compatibility make it ideal for a community marine setup.
Native to the reefs and sandy substrates, the Feather Duster is a sedentary worm that builds a protective tube around itself, extending its feather crown to feed and retracting quickly into its tube if it senses danger. This filter-feeding behavior helps maintain water quality, contributing to a cleaner tank environment. It thrives in mature, well-established tanks with a stable supply of microscopic food.
As a filter feeder, the Feather Duster primarily relies on natural plankton in the water but may benefit from supplemental feedings of phytoplankton or other fine particulate foods. It is relatively low-maintenance but requires stable water parameters to avoid stress. Excessive handling or abrupt changes in conditions may cause the Feather Duster to “drop” its crown, though it can regrow it over time if conditions improve.
The Large Feather Duster is suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists. Its gentle, non-invasive presence makes it a versatile and attractive addition to reef and peaceful community tanks, where it can add texture and visual interest. With proper care and minimal interference, the Feather Duster can thrive, adding a natural, flowing beauty to any marine aquarium.