Home > Invertebrates > Segmented Worms > Sabellastarte spectabilis

Updated 11/4/2012

Family Sabellidae

INDO-PACIFIC / HAWAII

Sabellastarte spectabilis

He'eia, Oahu, 2 feet

 

Juveniles

 

Moku o Loe, Kaneohe Bay, Oahu

 

Ft. Kamehameha, Oahu, 8 feet

Puako, Hawaii, 35 feet

FEATHER-DUSTER WORM

Especially common in bays & harbors where phytoplankton is abundant.  The worm's body occupies a flexible mucus tube formed by adhesion of silt from the water column.  The feathery feeding crown has two lobes, varies in color, and attains 5 inches in diameter.  Formerly known as Sabellastarte sanctijosephi.  Hawaii & the Indo-Pacific.