The
Feather Duster is a great addition to any tank. They don't require
any care and are great to watch. A worm lives within the tan tube
of the Feather Duster, and this worm carries a colorful "crown"
of feathers. These feathers are pushed up throw the opening of the
tube and act as a catching device for food, which is collected by
the worm's mouth at the base of the feathers. The worm uses the
tube as protection and will quickly pull in the feathered crown
when it detects a predator. The Feather Duster can be placed on
the substrate or into your rockwork. The Feather Duster will attach
its foot and remain stable once placed into the aquarium.
Feather Dusters are not often thought of as worms
because what most people see is just the pretty feathery "crown"
the worm inside uses to capture food. But there truly is a worm
living inside the tan tubes they create using sand and secretion
to create their home. The feathery crown is also called a "radiole"
and is used as both gills and to bring food to its mouth which is
at the center of that crown. Feather Dusters are very light sensitive
and will quickly retract when approached or disturbed. Feather Dusters
are known to "throw" their crowns which usually regrow
within a few weeks.
Feather Dusters are not often thought of as worms
because what most people see is just the pretty feathery "crown"
the worm uses to capture food. But there truly is a worm living
inside the Feather Duster's tan tube. They create this tube by combining
sand and a special secretion in order to protect their delicate
body. The feathery crown, also called a "radiole", is
an extention of the mouth of the worm and serves as both its gills
and a way to capture food. Feather Dusters are very light sensitive
and will quickly retract when approached or disturbed.
Size: Various
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Safe: Yes
Diet: Phytoplankton
Origin: Caribbean
Acclimation Time: 1+ Hours