Indo-Pacific feather duster (Sabellastarte spectabilis)

Key facts

Scientific name

Sabellastarte spectabilis

Common name

Indo-Pacific feather duster

Category

Worms

Family

Sabellidae

Genus

Sabellastarte

Size

10–20 cm

Depth

1–30 m

IUCN status

Least concern (LC)

Danger level

Harmless

Habitats

coral-reef, rocky-reef

Behaviours

benthic, solitary

Ocean zones

Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Eastern Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia, Mediterranean

Description

Sabellastarte spectabilis reaches 20 cm with 10 cm diameter crown. Sabellid polychaete worm (Sabellidae) Indo-Pacific with body hidden in membranous tube, projecting outside a bipartite crown of radioles (branchial tentacles) in open wide double spiral, highly variable striped pattern white, brown and red. Lives from 1 to 30 m on coral and rocky reefs, often embedded in corals or crevices. Filter feeder through radioles. Retracts instantly into tube at any disturbance. Classic Indo-Pacific macro dive photo subject, discrete approach challenge.

Photo of Indo-Pacific feather duster

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Indo-Pacific feather duster?

Indo-Pacific feather duster (Sabellastarte spectabilis) reaches 10–20 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Indo-Pacific feather duster?

Indo-Pacific feather duster is found between 1–30 m deep.

Is the Indo-Pacific feather duster dangerous to divers?

Danger level: Harmless.

What is the conservation status of the Indo-Pacific feather duster?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Indo-Pacific feather duster?

Found in: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Eastern Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.

Other species in the family Sabellidae

• Sabella spallanzanii - Mediterranean fanworm
• Bispira volutacornis - Twin fanworm
• Myxicola infundibulum - Slime tube worm

Sources

• Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 429077)
• Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
• Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5200379)
• Conservation: IUCN Red List
• Encyclopedia: Wikipedia