Sabellastarte magnifica

Sabellastarte magnifica
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Annelida
Clade: Pleistoannelida
Clade: Sedentaria
Order: Sabellida
Family: Sabellidae
Genus: Sabellastarte
Species:
S. magnifica
Binomial name
Sabellastarte magnifica
(Shaw, 1800)[1]
Synonyms[1]
  • Bispira melania (Schmarda, 1861) sensu Mullin, 1923
  • Sabella lingua Krøyer, 1856
  • Sabella melania Schmarda, 1861
  • Sabella splendida Kinberg, 1866
  • Tubularia magnifica Shaw, 1800

Sabellastarte magnifica, the magnificent feather duster worm, is a species of marine polychaete worm in the Sabellidae family. It can be found among sandy reefs in the Caribbean. It may be included in aquariums because of its distinctive appearance and its ability to remove organic particles and improve water quality.[2]

Description

The magnificent feather duster worm can reach 10 centimetres (3.9 in) in length, with a crown as large as 15 centimetres (5.9 in) in diameter.[1][3] It lives in a tough, leathery tube, and projects a crown of branched tentacles, or radioles, which form a plume. The radioles tend to be an orange-brown color with white tips.

References

  1. ^ a b c Fauchald, Kristian (2008). Read G, Fauchald K (eds.). "Sabellastarte magnifica (Shaw, 1800)". World Polychaeta Database. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 2026-02-05.
  2. ^ Fan Worms & Feather Dusters (Annelids)
  3. ^ Crites, Barb. "Magnificent Feather Duster Worm". Snorkel St. John. Retrieved February 5, 2026.