Feather Duster

stonemanbytes

New member
1 of my 2 feather dusters died today. It had been in its tube for about a week so I thought something was going on. When I woke up this morning it had thrown its feathers and was hanging out of its tube. I would like to know what causes this and how to prevent it from happening again.
 
I googled and found this, someonoe had a similiar problem. looks like they may row back.



A filter feeder, the Feather Duster Worm can help can help remove waste in the aquarium by feeding on particles floating in the water. Most will thrive without supplemental feedings of liquid organic material or phytoplankton. Unless there are unusual circumstances, supplemental feedings are not recommended. These non-aggressive, non-venomous worms can add a lovely accent to many tanks. The main concern seems to be that aggressive species may damage the Feather Duster. Feather Dusters are also very sensitive to poor water quality and to copper based medication, so it is essential to maintain clean water and to treat ailing tank mates in a quarantine tank. Under poor conditions, or in situations where levels of dissolved oxygen are poor, the Feather Duster may leave its tube in an effort to move to better conditions. They may also drop their plume. Failure to correct the poor conditions may result in death for the worm. Feather Dusters can regenerate their tubes and their plumes.
 
i was reading a thread from another forum, somone said thiers did the same thing by dropping its plumes, but just to leave it there cuz it can grow back.
 
Well I took it out and quarentined it just in case its still alive but its doubtful. It came out, curled up, and hasnt moved.
 
If it's dead, you'll know, it won't move. Even when they are in their tubes you can feel the muscular retraction when you touch them.

Usually the reason for death is starvation. Even though only one died, it doesn't mean the other isn't going to as well. Many reef tanks are just too "clean" for them.
 
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