Feather Duster – Sabellastarte sp.

About this invertebrate

Feather Duster – Sabellastarte sp. is a saltwater tube-dwelling feather duster (family Sabellidae). It anchors in reef rubble or the bottom substrate using a parchment-like tube, then extends a fan-shaped crown (radiole) to filter small particles from the water for feeding. In a reef aquarium, it’s useful for bringing an additional suspension-feeding invertebrate into your display and for adding natural movement at the substrate level. For group-level guidance, Sabellastarte feather dusters are suspension feeders that generally do best when the tank is well-established and feeding is consistent.

Features:

• Fan-shaped feather crown extends to strain suspended food particles from the water column.
• Usually found at the base of the reef aquarium; best placed near or on the bottom substrate/low rubble areas.
• Peaceful and considered reef compatible.
• Suspension feeder: supplementary phytoplankton and liquid organic food can support long-term success.
• Better in well-established, stable reef systems; maintain steady water quality to reduce stress and crown loss.
• Copper-based medications are noted as harmful/too intolerant for this worm.

Specifications:

• Scientific name (shop listing): Sabellastarte sp.
• Care level (general): Easy (per LiveAquaria for Sabellastarte sp.)
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Reef compatibility: Yes
• Diet: Omnivore; filter-feeds on small floating organisms; supplemental phytoplankton/liquid organic foods recommended
• Temperature: 72–78°F
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Salinity (specific gravity): 1.023–1.025
• Alkalinity (dKH): 8–12
• Waterflow: Medium