Feather Duster Worm

Overview

The Feather Duster Worm (Sabellastarte sp.) is a beautiful filter-feeding worm with a feathery crown; needs fine food in the water.

This guide explains what the Feather Duster Worm does for your reef, how to care for it, whether it is reef-safe, and what to watch out for.

What It Does for Your Tank

It is a filter feeder that strains tiny particles from the water, adding beauty and helping polish the water.

Care Level

It is hardy and easy, ideal for beginners, as long as it is acclimated slowly and the tank is mature.

Water Parameters & Acclimation

Keep a stable reef system at 24-27 °C, pH 8.1-8.4 and salinity 1.024-1.026 (35 ppt). Hold alkalinity at 8-12 dKH, calcium at 400-450 ppm and magnesium at 1300-1400 ppm, with ammonia and nitrite at zero. Stability matters more than chasing perfect numbers, so test regularly and avoid sudden swings.

Like all marine invertebrates it is very sensitive to copper and to sudden changes, so never use copper-based medications in the tank and always drip-acclimate new arrivals slowly over an hour or more.

Feeding

It needs fine suspended food such as phytoplankton or powdered reef food regularly, as it cannot survive on light alone.

Is It Reef-Safe? Compatibility

It is reef-safe and peaceful with corals and fish - a trusted clean-up crew member. Provide one hiding spot per animal and avoid overstocking your clean-up crew, or some will starve.

Common Problems & Care Tips

The biggest risks are copper exposure, ammonia spikes and rushed acclimation - go slow and keep water stable. Snails that fall over should be turned upright; provide spare shells for hermit crabs to prevent squabbles; and never buy a clean-up crew bigger than your tank can feed.

Is the Feather Duster Worm Right for Your Reef?

The Feather Duster Worm is an easy, useful addition for almost any marine tank. Build a balanced clean-up crew rather than relying on any single species, and pair it with our marine fish and coral guides.

Frequently Asked Questions