Sabellidais a suborder of annelid worms in the class Polychaeta. These tube dwelling worms are filter feeders and are commonly identified by a ring of feathery tentacles extending outwards.
Members of the suborder include the feather duster worms (Sabellastarte spectabilis) in the familySabellidae, and the Christmas tree worm (Spirobranchus giganteus) in the familySerpulidae. We came across both species of worms in Indonesia and spent a considerable time observing their beautifully colorful tentacles, and intricate patterns.
The members of these families are similar in the way they use their feathery tentacles as gills for breathing and to trap food particles, but differ greatly in appearance, habitat and tube construction.
The Christmas tree worms belong to the familySerpulidaeand can be commonly be found living embedded in the skeleton ofPoritescorals. The coral host does not die from the burrowing worm and in fact if the coral does die so will the worm, as it will not be able to compete with the algae that takes over.
The crown ofa Christmas tree worm is easily recognizableby its spiraled Christmas tree shape and vibrant coloration, from blue, orange, yellow, red and white. Christmas tree worms and feather duster worms are both very sensitive to disturbances in the water and will rapidly retract into their tubes if they sense movement or shadows.
Members of theSerpulidae, Christmas tree worm family differ from theSabellidae,Feather worms in that they have a specialized cover called an operculum which blocks the entrance of their tubes when they withdraw. Both tube worms will typically re-emerge a minute later, very slowly, to test the water before fully extending their plumes
If you would like to keeptube worms in your home aquariumthey prefer to be in the shade and out of bright lights, and remember both Feather dusters and Christmas tree worms are filter feeders which means they have to be feed regularly. We recommend a mix of liquid plankton and something a little meatier like live rotifers.