Feather Duster Worm

Sabellastarte indica (Sabellastarte spectabilis), commonly known as the feather duster worm, is a type of marine worm that can be found in various reef zones. This worm has tentacles that resemble feathers and are arranged in a circular or horseshoe shape.

This impressive worm can reach a length of up to 80 mm and a width of 10-12 mm. It has a buff color with purple specks. It lives inside a strong, leathery tube that is covered in fine mud. From the tube, it extends a beautiful crown of branched tentacles called radioles, which create a striking plume. The tentacles have dark and pale brown stripes and do not have stylodes or eye spots. Additionally, there are two long and slender palps, as well as a four-lobed collar.

In the 🌊 Red Sea, these worms can be found in shallow waters, often attaching their tubes to hard surfaces like rocks or coral reefs. The vibrant and colorful radioles of the worms contribute to the visual diversity of marine life in this region.

Feather Duster Worms in the 🌊 Red Sea share similar characteristics and behaviors with their counterparts in other areas. They are filter feeders, using their feathery appendages to capture small particles from the water for nutrition. When threatened, they can retract into their protective tubes.