Do featherdusters have a lifespan?

[alfani]

I had this guy for 3+ years now and recently it slowly looses it's feather for the past couple weeks and now it's completely featherless and it's head have not come out for a week now. i think it's dead, should I give it a couple more days.

looking to get a replacement at the swap

 

[drperetz]

.. is some 1`

if some 1 answers this question, please answer for COCO dusters also...

I wondered how long these suckers live , for the longest.

 

[Brian65901]

See attached like they usually only last 2 years

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/aug2002/invert.htm

I also found this on line
Typically when a feather duster dies, it will protrude out of the tube and will lay limp. Otherwise, you can physically grab the tube and feel in the base. The worm, in reaction, will tense up so you can feel if it's still alive. If the base where the worm is feels mushy, then the worm has died and you should remove it from the aquarium at that time.
Although your feather duster may appear to be dead, a feather duster losing an appendage and 'playing dead' is common. When threatened, a feather duster will, in self defense pop its head off. This will give the predator the impression that the worm has died. Normally within about 2 weeks, the feather duster will re-grow the feathery appendage and will reappear. When it does reappear, the feathery appendage will be smaller in size, but with time, will grow back to its former brilliance.

 

[drperetz]

...

I have a coco duster that has been with me for more than 2 years.

If u think about it, y would it die.... If it builds its shell around its main body, y should it die?

And regular feather dusters live been in my possesion for more than 2 years...

I guess it all depends on the water quality ur live stock is housed in..:yeah:

 

[alfani]

my duster did not lost it's haed at once more like over the course of couple weeks, the feathers disappears and completely gone for the past few days. it did pop it's head out after loosing all the feathers for a day or so

 

[drperetz]

...

feel the tube of the duster...

I have a duster that I undressed exidently, thought it will die. In a week the duster build itself a new tube and was healthy as ever ( just a little fragile thats all) try touching it.

 

[Deanos]

feel the tube of the duster...

I have a duster that I undressed

try touching it.

:bigeyes: Perv!

:lol2:

 

[noodleman]

I have a coco duster that has been with me for more than 2 years.

If u think about it, y would it die.... If it builds its shell around its main body, y should it die?

And regular feather dusters live been in my possesion for more than 2 years...

I guess it all depends on the water quality ur live stock is housed in..:yeah:

2 years is most likely the adverage life span, no one saying they cant live longer or shorter. Even in the best water quality, it'll die eventually from old age

 

[drperetz]

...

Dean, u exposed me..... DAMN IT.rangehat:irked:
I go around undressing feather dusters.........:skull:

 

[thepudge]

Had mine for 3 years, and the person I got mine from had it at least a year. I think you gotta have water with enough crap in it for them to eat. My filthy water is perfect!

 

[drperetz]

...

thats what I claim...If the water paramiters are good and there is enough food, these feathers will live a very long time..

 

[Kedd]

Alfani, I've had one for a few years now, mine has done the same thing as yours, and always grown back.
I was told this was some what common.

Kedd

 

[reefman]

i had some for over 3 yrs. losing feather is usually when harassed. if worm is still in there, leave it alone. no harm done.

 

[alfani]

RIP !!:sad2::dead1:.. just flush the duster. it was my favorite, went through 3 tank upgrades