Description
The Feather Duster Worm (Sabellidae) is a species of Worm, or member of the Sabellidae family that is found in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific ocean. The Worm burrows into corals and rocks in coral reefs and rocky marine ecosystems. The Feather Duster Worm captures plankton in the water column with its feathers.
Habitat
The Feather Duster Worm is found burrowed into coral and rocks in coral reefs and rocky marine ecosystems, in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans.
Diet
The Feather Duster Worm captures Plankton, algae, and microscopic organic particles in the water column using its feathers that extend out of their burrow. The Feathers capture the food with mucus which then transfers the food to the worms mouth.
Appearance
The Worm has a distinctive crown of feathers which fan out into the water column. The feathers can be a range of colours and rising out of its tube, burrowed into the coral. If you get too close to the worm, the feathers retract into its tube very quickly!
Key Features
- Colourful crown of feathered tentacles.
- Usually found burrowed into coral or rocks in an area where there is a current in the water.
- In defence the worm retracts its crown of feathers into its tube burrow if a creature gets too close.
Feather Duster Worm’s Burrow
In defence the worm retracts its crown of feathers into its tube burrow if a creature gets too close. Below are two photos taken of the worm in both states, taken at Sunset Beach, at Koh Lipe, Thailand
Feather Crown Fan
Feather Tentacles Retracted
Frequently Asked Questions
The Feather Duster Worm is found burrowed into coral and rocks in coral reefs and rocky marine ecosystems, in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans.
The Feather Duster Worm is found burrowed into coral and rocks in coral reefs and rocky marine ecosystems, in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans.
The Worm has predators including larger fish, such as Triggerfish, and Wrasse. Other predators include Crabs and Crustaceans, Nudibranches (Sea Slugs), and even certain species of Sea Stars and Sea Urchins.
