San Jose Feather Duster
(Sabellastarte sanctijosephi)

Descrição

The `Sabellastarte sanctijosephi` is also often referred to as a “Feather Duster Worm” or “Giant Feather Duster”. Some sources indicate that *Sabellastarte spectabilis* is the correct name for what was previously known as *Sabellastarte sanctijosephi* due to taxonomic revisions. However, since the user specifically provided `Sabellastarte sanctijosephi`, I will use that as the scientific name and “San Jose Feather Duster” as the common name, acknowledging the common usage while noting the taxonomic complexity.

Here’s the data extracted from the search results:

* **Scientific Name:** `Sabellastarte sanctijosephi` (Gravier, 1906)
* **Common Name / Variant:** San Jose Feather Duster, Feather Duster Worm, Giant Feather Duster
* **Maximum Size:** Up to 7 cm (crown diameter), tube up to 30 cm in length. Some sources state up to 12 cm for the entire worm. I will use 7cm for the visible crown and mention the tube length in the overview.
* **Origin:** Indo-Pacific, including Eastern Africa to Hawaii, Red Sea, East Indian Ocean, West Indian Ocean, Indonesia, East Pacific, Central/West Pacific regions.
* **pH Range:** 8.0 – 8.4, 8.1 – 8.4. I’ll use 8.0-8.4.
* **Temperature:** 22 – 28°C (72 – 83°F), 22.2-25.6°C, 24°C – 26°C (75.2 °F – 78.8 °F). I’ll use 22-28°C as a broader safe range.
* **Lifespan:** Data unavailable directly for *Sabellastarte sanctijosephi*. General Feather Dusters: “Not Sure”. Given the intermediate care level, a moderate lifespan would be implied but not explicitly stated. I will mark this as `[data unavailable]` if a specific number isn’t found.
* **Swimming Zone:** Sessile / attached to substrate, prefers to be buried in sand or mud. Bottom zone.
* **Appearance & Behavior:** Constructs a leathery tube (sometimes up to 30 cm) from which it extends a single crown of multicolored, feather-like filaments (around 7-10 cm diameter). Uses cilia on tentacles for respiration and to collect suspended particulate matter/plankton. Retracts into its tube when disturbed. May shed crown due to poor water quality, disturbance, or lack of nutrition.
* **Care Level:** Intermediate, Moderate hardiness, “Difficult” in some reports as it’s rarely kept successfully. Requires frequent, target feeding. Peaceful temperament. Vulnerable to predators like triggerfish, wrasses, angelfish, butterflyfish, and some shrimp/crabs. Reef-safe.
* **Tank Essentials:** Minimum tank size: 50 gallons (≈189 L), 50 liters. I will use 50L as the minimum for the tube, but larger for stability. Given other feather dusters are recommended for larger tanks due to water stability, I will lean towards the 50-gallon recommendation for a more stable marine environment, or clarify if 50L refers just to the worm itself. However, since the prompt specifies litres, and multiple sources say 50L, I will use that for the minimum tank size, perhaps adding a note about stability. Let’s use 50L as the direct conversion from 50 gallons is too large for the 50L value repeatedly stated. It seems there’s a discrepancy or different “50” units being used. I will use 50L as that is stated directly.
* Specific Gravity: 1.023 – 1.025, 1.020-1.025. I’ll use 1.023-1.025.
* Carbonate Hardness (KH): 8-12.
* **Diet:** Filter feeder. Primarily feeds on phytoplankton and zooplankton (rotifers/Cyclop-eeze). Requires frequent target feedings (at least every other day).

**Refinement for “Maximum Size”:** “Up to 3 in. (7 cm)” and “about 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter” for the crown. Tube up to 12 inches (30 cm). I will use 10 cm for the crown, and mention the tube.
**Lifespan:** No specific numerical lifespan found for *Sabellastarte sanctijosephi*. I’ll state “[data unavailable]”.

Let’s refine the tank size. 50 gallons is about 190 litres, while 50 litres is much smaller. Given the “intermediate” care level and need for stable water parameters, 50 US gallons (approx 190L) makes more sense for a typical reef tank than a tiny 50L tank. However,,, explicitly state “50 liters”. This is a conflict. I will use 50L as stated by multiple sources, but will include language about stable parameters in the care level. Perhaps the discrepancy is due to the small body size of the worm itself vs the need for a stable system. I will stick to 50L based on the explicit mentions.

Let’s review the common name. “San Jose Feather Duster” was given. The search results refer to it as “Common Feather Duster Worm”, “Giant Feather Duster”, or just “Feather Duster Worm”.. “San Jose Feather Duster” seems less common in the search results than just “Feather Duster” or “Giant Feather Duster”. I will use “San Jose Feather Duster” as requested but will ensure “Feather Duster” is naturally incorporated as a secondary keyword.

Rechecking `Sabellastarte sanctijosephi` taxonomy: Wikipedia states it “was known as Sabellastarte sanctijosephi” and “In 2003 Knight-Jones and Mackie undertook a revision of the genus Sabellastarte and determined that Sabellastarte spectabilis was the correct name.” However, other sources still list `Sabellastarte sanctijosephi` as an accepted species. Given the user provided `Sabellastarte sanctijosephi`, I will proceed with that as the primary scientific name, but it’s good to be aware of the taxonomic complexity.

Final check on maximum size: says 7cm, says 10cm crown diameter and 30cm tube length, says up to 12cm. I will use 10cm for the crown, as it’s the most visually impactful part, and mention the tube can be longer.

Lifespan: Still no specific years found. So, `[data unavailable]` for lifespan.

SEO keywords: “buy San Jose Feather Duster online”, “San Jose Feather Duster care”, “healthy marine invertebrates”.

San Jose Feather Duster: The Elegant Reef Filter

Add a touch of vibrant, living artistry to your marine aquarium with the captivating San Jose Feather Duster. This peaceful filter feeder creates a mesmerizing display as it sways gently in the current.

Overview

The San Jose Feather Duster (Sabellastarte sanctijosephi) is a stunning marine invertebrate renowned for its intricate, feather-like crown, typically displaying mottled reddish-brown and white hues. This sessile worm constructs a tough, leathery tube, which it can quickly retract into if disturbed. Its beautiful crown, reaching up to 10 cm in diameter, acts as both a respiratory organ and a highly efficient filter, sifting microscopic particles from the water column.

Care Level

Considered an intermediate-level invertebrate, the San Jose Feather Duster thrives in stable reef or fish-only aquariums. It possesses a peaceful temperament, making it compatible with most non-aggressive tankmates. However, caution is advised with predatory fish like triggerfish, wrasses, and angelfish, which may nip at its delicate crown.

Tank Essentials

A minimum tank size of 50 litres is recommended to ensure stable water parameters for your San Jose Feather Duster. It prefers to have its tube buried in sandy or rubbled substrate near the bottom of the aquarium, mimicking its natural habitat. Optimal water conditions include a temperature range of 22-28°C and a pH of 8.0-8.4, with a specific gravity of 1.023-1.025.

Diet

As a dedicated filter feeder, this worm relies on suspended phytoplankton and zooplankton for nutrition. Frequent, target feeding with a high-quality liquid plankton solution (such as rotifers or Cyclop-eeze) at least every other day is crucial for its long-term health and survival.

Why Buy From Us

When you buy San Jose Feather Duster online from Corais de Vidro, you’re choosing healthy marine invertebrates sourced with care. We prioritise ethical practices and meticulous acclimation protocols to ensure your new addition arrives vibrant and ready to thrive in your aquarium. Trust us for responsible fishkeeping and exceptional aquatic life.

• Scientific Name: Sabellastarte sanctijosephi
• Common Name / Variant: San Jose Feather Duster
• Maximum Size: 10 cm (crown diameter); tube up to 30 cm
• Origin: Indo-Pacific
• pH Range: 8.0–8.4
• Temperature: 22–28°C
• Lifespan: [data unavailable]
• Swimming Zone: Bottom

Enhance your reef aquarium with this elegant, natural filter today!