Description
Sabellastarte spectabilis, commonly known as the Indian feather duster worm or feather duster worm, is a tubicolous marine polychaete worm. These worms are characterized by their beautiful, feathery tentacles, which they use to filter feed and breathe. They live in leathery tubes, often covered with mud, and are found in tropical and subtropical waters.
Appearance:
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Color: Vibrant colors can range from reds, oranges, to purples.
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Tentacles (radioles): The tentacles are feathery and arranged in a fan-like structure, creating a striking display when the worm is active. They are striped in dark and pale brown bands.
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Tube: The worms secrete a leathery tube that protects them.
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Size: Can reach up to 80 millimeters in length and 10-12 millimeters in width.
Habitat and Behavior:
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Location: Native to tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific but have spread to other regions.
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Tube: The tubes are typically buried in the sediment.
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Filter Feeding: They use their tentacles to capture small particles of organic matter from the water.
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Sedentary Lifestyle: They primarily live within their tubes and do not move much.
Reproduction and Other Characteristics:
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Asexual Reproduction: They can reproduce asexually by fragmentation.
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Regeneration: They can regenerate body parts if damaged.
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Aquarium Popularity: They are popular in aquariums due to their beauty and helpfulness in removing organic particles from the water.
