Feather duster worm, Anilao, Philippines (2023)

Sabellastarte spectabilis, commonly known as the feather duster worm or the fan worm, is a species of benthic marine polychaete worm in the family Sabellidae. It is native to tropical waters of the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea but has spread to other parts of the world. It is a filter feeder and inhabits holes and cracks in reefs, rocky shores, coral and lava, under boulders in still water, and in tidal pools and channels exposed to heavy surf. S. spectabilis is buff in colour with purple specks, around 8 centimetres (3 inches) in length and up to 1.2 centimetres (0.5 inches) in width. It lives in a tough, leathery tube covered with fine mud, from which projects a branchial crown of branched tentacles. The worm is popular in aquariums because of its distinctive appearance and its ability to remove organic particles and improve water quality. This S. spectabilis worm was photographed in the diving resort of Anilao in Mabini, Batangas, in the Philippines.

Credit: Diego Delso

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