Feather Duster Question

[Jim Cannon]

I bought a nice FD last weekend. I put it the tank, and its been doing really good. Is out most of the time. Scoots in when the light changes or someone walks by.

Tonight I didn't see it out. I kept watching, no feather....??

Then, in the rocks kinda hidden I see the feathers....and the worm in still attached. Now I think I read somewhere that if they are dying or not in good shape, they will lose the feather and eventually die.

That isn't the case here. He apparently got out of the tube and is now in a nice hiding spot.

Whats going on here? Is he dying? Is this a usual characteristic?

Thanks

Jim

 

[sophia101]

Hello Jim,
I have a feather duster in my 12 gallon NC..now for about 2 months. Hes doing great I thought mine was dying also...because it was in its tube for about 3 days i didnt see it. I even looked in the tube and there was nothing there!! I was very worried but then that night i noticed it was out Sometimes they get scared and hide in there tube for a bit. Dont be nervous. If you can see far into the tube, dont be worried. They can do all the way into the root of the tube. Good Luck!

P.S I have never heard of a feather duster coming out of its tube and findin a new area. Most likely he is still in his tube..all the way at the bottom. Keep checking and keep us updated.

 

[Jim Cannon]

thanks for you input Sophia. And you may be right. But for sure the feather is definetely NOT in the tube. I can that plainly laying on the sand bed between some rocks. I can't see into that space very well, but I swear I could see the worm portion also. I could move the rocks so I can be better, but everytime I get in there and disturb anything, it takes a few days for everyone to get settled again.

This moring when I looked in, I couldn't even see the feather anymore. He is on the move for sure I think. When I first noticed him missing he was here. When I went to bed a few hours later, he was over there. Now he is hidden somewhere.

Saltwater/reef stuff is so much more interesting than freshwater.