Sabellastarte australiensis

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Facts
Latin name Sabellastarte australiensis
Local name Southern Fan Worm
Family Sabellidae - Sabellastarte
Origin East Indian Ocean, Australia
Max length Unknown
As aquarium fish
Minimum volume 50 l (13 gal)
Hardiness Average
Suitable for aquarium Suitable with care
Reef safe Always reef safe
Aggressiveness Peaceful
Feed
Recommended Phytoplankton
Zooplankton (Cyclops, pods...)
Beware of
Daily feeding

Must be fed once a day in most aquariums to avoid starvation.

Keep in mind
Bury the tube

The tube housing the worm should be buried in the sediment.

Target feeding

It may be necessary to target feed this species, otherwise it might have difficulties to obtain enough food.

Descriptions and further reading
Family description (Sabellidae)

These tubeworms builds tubes out of a tough, parchment-like exudate. The genus Glomerula secretes a tube of calcium carbonate instead.

Feather-duster worms have a crown of feeding tentacles projecting from their tubes.
These worms feed on phytoplankton and zooplankton and are not photosynthetic animals. In most aquariums they require target feeding with a mix of plankton.

Numerous species of fish and shrimp tend to bother these worms in an attempt to eat the crown which may eventually kill the worm.
Some predators to keep in mind are triggerfishes, wrasses, angelfishes and butterflyfishes.
If the worm looses the crown it may grow back in a month or two if conditions are optimal.

References and further reading

About references

Sabellidae - Wikipedia - (English)
Ronald L. Shimek. 2004. Marine Invertebrates (PocketExpert Guide) - TFH Publications / Microcosm Ltd. - (English)
2009. Sabellastarte indica - Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine - (English)