Feather Duster Worm — printable fact sheet

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Feather Duster Worm

Sabellastarte spectabilis

The Feather Duster Worm is a striking marine invertebrate known for its crown of feathery tentacles, which it extends to filter plankton and organic particles from the water. Its soft, segmented body is protected by a parchment-like tube anchored in sand or crevices on the ocean…

Classification

Invertebrate

Family

Sabellidae

Habitat

Coral reefs and rocky coastal areas

Diet

Filter feeder

Conservation status

Least Concern

Lifespan

1-5 years

Weight

2-10 grams

Scientific name

Sabellastarte spectabilis

Did you know?

Despite their delicate appearance, Feather Duster Worms play an important role in filtering and cleaning seawater in reef ecosystems.
Feather Duster Worms can regenerate lost tentacles if they are damaged or eaten by predators. Their feathery crowns are actually specialized gills used for both breathing and feeding. Some species of Feather Duster Worms can grow tubes over 30 centimeters long.

What I learned

Draw the feather duster worm

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