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Feather Duster, Sabellastarte sp., makes an excellent, easy-care addition to the reef aquarium. The Feather Duster arrives looking completely unimpressive: simply a leathery tube in a plastic bag with a little bit of water. The leathery tube is secreted by the worm as protection. Once acclimated into the home aquarium, the plume will extend and the duster's food collection process will begin. This relatively hardy worm extends its plume awaiting passing particles of food. Over time, it will attach itself to nearby rock. When it feels threatened, the Feather Duster will retract into its leathery tube in an instant. At times -- sometimes even during shipment -- it will detach its plume. This will grow back. Feather Dusters survive best in a well-established reef aquarium, devoid of any traces of copper, with plenty of microscopic life from which it can feed. The addition of any food designed for filter feeders will help ensure its continued health.
Feather Duster (Hawaii)
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