Feather Duster

The feather duster worm, primarily belonging to the genus Sabellastarte (such as Sabellastarte spectabilis), is a sedentary marine polychaete worm found in warm ocean waters worldwide. Reaching an average size of 5 to 8 inches (12 to 20 centimeters) long with a crown spanning up to 3 to 4 inches (7 to 10 centimeters) across, it constructs a flexible, leather-like protective tube using mud, sand, and secreted mucus. Unlike hard-tubed coco worms, the feather duster relies entirely on this soft parchment tube for shelter. It extends a circular, fan-like crown of colorful feather-like radioles often styled in bands of brown, tan, orange, or white to capture floating phytoplankton, organic detritus, and dissolved nutrients from passing currents. Eyespots lining these radioles detect sudden changes in light or shadow, prompting the worm to retract instantly into its tube when a potential predator approaches.