Feather Duster Diet

Cluster feather dusters

Feather dusters are actually aquatic worms, also called fan worms, members of the annelid family and distant cousins to earthworms. Feather dusters tend to grow in coral reefs, though many people have them in their personal aquariums.

Identification

Feather duster worms are identified by fan-like feathers that protrude from parchment-like stalks. These feathers or plumes can reach up to 10 inches in some species. If the fan worm suspects danger, it will suck in its plumes.

Function

The plumes function as filters and supply the fan worm with its primary food source, organic microscopic particles cast off by other fish and coral. The feathers also secrete the parchment-like substance that encases the worm's body.

Feeding Feather Dusters

In a well-established tank, you do not need to supplement the feather duster's food source, since it will filter decaying materials from the other tank inhabitants. Occasionally stir the sand to release organic material into the water. In premature tanks, supply liquid organic foods, such as infusoria, designed for filter feeding fish and phytoplankton.

References

• Pet Education: Fan Worms & Feather Dusters (Annelids)
• Live Aquaria: Hawaiian Feather Duster
• Aquatic Connection: Feather Dusters, Fan Worms