Brown Feather Duster (Sabellastarte sp.)
Brown Feather Duster (Sabellastarte sp.)
This tubeworm spends its whole life anchored in a self-built parchment tube, fanning a spiral crown of feathery radioles out into the current to catch passing plankton and detritus — and yanking the whole thing back inside instantly at the first sign of a shadow or touch. It’s a completely stationary animal, so placement matters: pick a spot with steady flow and just enough light, and it’ll sit there filtering for years without needing to move an inch.
Care level: Easy · Light: Low-moderate · Flow: Moderate · Placement: Rockwork, out of direct high flow · Diet: Filter feeder, phytoplankton/suspended particulates
At a glance
- Scientific name
- Sabellastarte sp.
- Common name
- Brown Feather Duster
- Water type
- Saltwater
- Care level
- Easy
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Max size
- ~3" crown
- Minimum tank
- 20 gal
- Diet
- Filter feeder, phytoplankton/suspended particulates
When it ships
Most non-quarantined stock goes out the week you order. If we do not already have the animal in-house we source it first — allow up to two weeks for it to reach us. Live animals leave Monday and Tuesday, and Early AM Overnight is the only service that carries a live arrival guarantee.
The live guarantee
Shipped Early AM Overnight: a 1-hour DOA window from confirmed delivery, and nothing beyond it. Next Day Air and 2-Day carry no live arrival guarantee, and neither does USPS Priority. Local pickup or local delivery: 24 hours, if you bring a water sample from your aquarium and we test it before the animal goes home. Maintenance clients: 60 days when we service the aquarium at least twice a month, 28 days on a monthly plan.
Expert guidance
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Cameron draws on 25+ years in the hobby and a marine biology background to help you choose the right fit for your system.