Fan worms, or the more common name of feather dusters, are tiny worms that create a sleeve like tube made from bodily secretions as they dig into rock and substrate. These worms are equipped with a feather like head which the animal uses to filter the water for food and nutrients. These animals can actually help keep some aspects of your water conditions at healthy levels.

Feather dusters are extremely intolerant of bad water conditions and can actually lose their feather like crown if the water quality is not monitored. However, if the worm does lose its crown, and water parameters improve, it is possible for the worm to re-grow its feathers.

Fan worms come in many shapes and sizes from a single head to multiple tree like heads. These worms can be very beautiful additions to your tanks and are definitely reef safe. Fan worms are also sessile and will attach itself to a rock where it will most likely stay. It is important to consider what you have in your tank before purchasing a feather duster because it is the prey of many saltwater fish such as angels, hawkfish, or butterfly fish.

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