feather dusters

[mominflorida]

I recently bought a feather duster which I later learned is a worm... that kind of grossed me out but they do look cool. Anyway, I have had it for about 2 weeks now and just yesterday the 'head' that comes out of the long tubular body basically fell out onto the sand floor. It is still moving around seeming to collect food and go about his business. Can anyone give me some information about the feather duster and the recent change? :?: Thanks! :?

 

[NMreefer]

Well if you haven't been told already, Welcome to Reefs.org.

This is a great place to get info. You'll meet all types of people, so have fun and enjoy your experience!

Phillip

 

[NMreefer]

I've kept feather dusters for quite some time. I've also had a few that shed their crown, later to regrow it. I've never had one abandon its tube. It is possible for the worm to start a new tube, given the right conditions. I've personally watched mine extend their tubes and I must say, it's pretty cool to watch. They build their tube from saliva and surrounding material. Do you have any predators in the tank? If so, you might want to try to somewhat surround the worm with small bits of rubble. It shouldn't take long for it to start making a tube if it's able. You'll get some more replies. Good luck!

Phillip

 

[Len]

The feathery projections are often times refered to as "crowns." Crowns sometimes fall off in captivity, presumably from either environmental changes or lack of nutrition. Once it falls off, it's no longer a living organism (think hair), so the movement you see on the sandbed is probably all current motivated. The worm, however, should still be in its tube. In time, it may manufacturer a new crown. If it doesn't, it'll die of starvation because filter feeding via the crown is it's only way to gather nutrition. Unfortunately, I'm not aware of any way to encourage it to grow a new one.

FYI: Feather dusters are generally considered difficult organisms to keep for the long term due to their nutritional requirements. Feeing fine foods like Golden Pearls and dosing phytoplankton helps.

 

[Anonymous]

well, there could be several reasons why it popped it's crown. i can only offer a couple guesses. it could be distressed -or- it could be getting ready to grow a new one -or- it could be just trying to find a suitable spot to attach to. i have 2 feather dusters that i've had for a year now. both of them popped their crowns and replaced them with new ones. hope that helps.

 

[fishfanatic2]

I had a feather duster that popped its crown and then fell out of its tube. Even without predators, it didn't last very long.

 

[Anonymous]

Yes, they're a kind of worm, Annelids, IIRC. Be prepared for all kinds of "icky" things since you've taken on a saltwater system, par for the course, mom.

My experience has been that, much like when a bird's feathers get all whacked looking and they must molt them, featherdusters will eventually shed their crowns. However, if you're really new, and the system is really new, other issues need to be addressed first: water quality being the foremost. Being invertebrates, they'll be more sensitive to salinity changes, as well as certain compounds--namely ammonia and nitrite, although high nitrate levels will affect them adversely as well.

So, assuming you've got proper salinity, pH, and zero readings on the above, we might come to the conclusion that its feathers were simply thrashed and it's time to grow a new crown. I have had best luck target feeding them (phytoplankton or similar foods intended for filter feeders) to encourage growth of that new crown ASAP. It should also be attempting to cover itself with grains of substrate, assuming it's not so large that it can't "grab hold" of the stuff with its exudations, if it's not already building itself a new tube.

If in doubt, do a water change! (But I wouldn't recommend vacuuming the substrate at this point.)

 

[Secam]

I've been travelling this week on business and following this thread. I've got 3 feather dusters and find them to be both beautiful and interesting. I just got back from the airport to find the feathers on my Hawaiin Feather Duster looking very ragged. It has appeared to be happy and healthy for the four months I've had him.

One of the posts in this thread mentions the use of phytoplankton. Where does one get phytoplankton? I've never seen it at my LFS. Does phytoplankton add to the bio load in a significant way. I'm running a 30 gallon tank and battle to keep my nitrates below 20. I'd be loath to introduce anything that could add to the bio load in any significant way.

 

[Anonymous]

Eee...well, the best way I know of to get phytoplankton is to make a refugium. Fresh! And welcome to reefs.org.

 

[AUEagleinDC]

mominflorida,

i am from navarre! that's awesome to speak to someone from there....sweet....take care...

chris

 

[mominflorida]

Thanks to everyone that replied to my question on feather dusters. Everyone was very helpful and supportive. My duster did grow a new crown! Yeah! It seems to be doing well and I am pleased to watch it grow. So far so good! I have a new growth in my tank that I am curious about. I have small white tubes growing along my rock. They are a bright white and each opening has a soft purple crown like a tiny feather duster that comes out to feed periodically. Can someone tell me what these are and what to expect from them? Thanks!

 

[fishfanatic2]

They are indeed another type of feather duster, the hitchiker type often found on the live rock. As for what to expect from them, well, they'll pretty much do the same thing as their big cousin, although they probably won't lose the crown.

 

[mominflorida]

Thanks... do you know what they are called?

 

[esmithiii]

SisInFlorida- Is the skimmer up and running yet?

As for the name of the small featherdusters, check out these links:
http://www.reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=33955
http://www.calacademy.org/research/izg/ ... %20fan.htm
http://virtual.yosemite.cc.ca.us/rander ... bellid.htm
http://www.reefs.org/hhfaq/pages/pictur ... sters.html
http://www.divebums.com/FishID/Pages/sabellid_worm.html
http://bugs.bio.usyd.edu.au/Polychaetes ... eeding.htm

http://www.seaotter.com/marine/research ... s.jpg.html
http://www.calacademy.org/research/izg/ ... idworm.htm
http://www.reefs.org/hhfaq/pages/pictur ... pulid.html
http://virtual.yosemite.cc.ca.us/rander ... rpulid.htm

 

[mominflorida]

Yo BroInIndy,

You have way too much time on your hands too be able to look up all the stuff you do for me! Thanks! The skimmer isn't running yet because I still gotta get a powerhead. I have a couple of 900s but you said it needs a 1200. I will get it next paycheck... just a few more days. I will let you know when I have it running. I will also be making a fish purchase (wohoo!) next paycheck. Don't tell my husband... hehehehe!

:lol: