tiki Ryan Photographic - Sabellidae - Feather duster worms


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Family Sabellidae

The family Sabellidae contains 1177 species in 76 genera (not trombones). Their common name of feather duster worms relates to their feathery gills which are also used for feeding. Most sabellids secrete a papery tube which is mixed with sand grains. When threatened they quickly withdraw into them. Most possess eyespots which are excellent at detecting movement and in some they might be able to form images (this is supposition on my part btw). Ragged edges to the gills of some suggest that occasionally they aren't quite quick enough.

Sabellids are found in all the world's oceans, typically in shallow waters but some live in the deep sea.

Other common names include peacock worms and fan worms.

Many of the animals in the photos below are identified only to family or genus. These worms are difficult to identify without specimens. Any identifications would be welcome.


Bispira brunnea Social featherduster worm

Bispira brunnea Sabellid featherduster worms, Belize-3305

Bispira brunnea Social featherduster worms, Belize-3305

Bispira brunnea Sabellid featherduster worms, Belize-3306

Bispira brunnea Sabellid featherduster worms, Belize-3306

Bispira brunnea Sabellid featherduster worms, Belize-3307

Bispira brunnea Sabellid featherduster worms, Belize-3307

Sabellid Bahamas

Bispira brunnea? Bahamas

Bispira brunnea (maybe) Sabellid Belize

Bispira brunnea (maybe) Sabellid Belize


Bispira Featherduster worm

Bispira Featherduster worm Kri Eco, Raja Ampat IMG_8517

Bispira Featherduster worm Kri Eco, Raja Ampat IMG_8517


Bispira species

Bispira species Puerto Galera, Philippines IMG_8096

Bispira species Puerto Galera, Philippines IMG_8096


Bispira variegata Variegated feather duster worm

Bispira variegata Variegated feather duster Roatan IMG_2920

Bispira variegata Variegated feather duster Roatan IMG_2920

Bispira variegata, Variegated fan worm, Roatan IMG_2915

Bispira variegata, Variegated fan worm, Roatan IMG_2915


Branchiomma nigromaculata Spotted feather duster worm

Branchiomma nigromaculata Spotted feather duster worm 2 Belize

Branchiomma nigromaculata Spotted feather duster worm 2 Belize

Branchiomma nigromaculata Spotted feather duster worm 3 Belize

Branchiomma nigromaculata Spotted feather duster worm 3 Belize

Branchiomma nigromaculata Spotted feather duster worm Belize

Branchiomma nigromaculata, Spotted feather duster worm Belize


Hypsicomus species Ruffled feather duster

Hypsicomus species Ruffled feather duster, Roatan IMG_2890

Hypsicomus species Ruffled feather duster, Roatan IMG_2890


Sabella sp Feather duster worm

Sabella sp Feather duster worm NZ

Sabella sp Feather duster worm NZ


Sabellastarte Sp. Feather duster worm

Sabellastarte Feather duster worm

Sabellastarte Feather duster worm, Magic Bay, Rao Island, Indonesia IMG_7847


Sabellastarte sp. Featherduster worm

Sabellastarte Featherduster wom, Kri, Raja Ampat, West Papua IMG_0547

Sabellastarte Featherduster worm, Kri, Raja Ampat, West Papua IMG_0547


Sabellastarte sp. Featherduster worm

Sabellastarte Featherduster wom, Kri, Raja Ampat, West Papua IMG_0633

Sabellastarte sp. Featherduster worm, Kri, Raja Ampat, West Papua IMG_0633


Sabellastarte indica Indian feather duster worm

Sabellastarte indica IMG_1504

Sabellastarte indica Indian feather duster worm, Raja Ampat IMG_1504


Sabellastarte sp.

Sabellastarte species Raja Ampat West Papua IMG_0490

Sabellastarte species Raja Ampat West Papua IMG_0490


Sabellastarte sp.

Sabellastarte, Kri Eco, Raja Ampat IMG_8675

Sabellastarte sp., Kri Eco, Raja Ampat IMG_8675


Sabellastartes sp., Feather duster worm

Sabellastartes species, Feather duster worm,  Puerto Galera, Philippines f1889977344

Sabellastartes species, Feather duster worm, Puerto Galera, Philippines f1889977344


Unidentified Sabellid

Unidentified Sabellid, Milford Sound, New Zealand EPV0227

Unidentified Sabellid, Milford Sound, New Zealand EPV0227


Unidentified fan worm

Unidentified Fan worm Sea of Cortez-6588

Unidentified Fan worm Sea of Cortez-6588


Unidentified fan worm

Unidentified fan worms  Puerto Galera, Philippines IMG_5275

Unidentified fan worms Puerto Galera, Philippines IMG_5275

Unidentified fan worm Puerto Galera, Philippines IMG_8148

Unidentified fan worm Puerto Galera, Philippines IMG_8148

Unidentified fan worm Puerto Galera, Philippines IMG_8146

Unidentified fan worm Puerto Galera, Philippines IMG_8146

Click here for a video of these worms


Unidentified Fanworm

Unidentified Fanworm gill detail, Raja Ampat, West Papua IMG_3791

Unidentified Fanworm gill detail, Raja Ampat, West Papua IMG_3791. The black dots are almost certainly eyes.

Unidentified Fanworm gill detail, Raja Ampat, West papua IMG_3792

Unidentified Fanworm gill detail, Raja Ampat, West Papua IMG_3792


Unidentified feather duster worm

Unidentified Feather duster worm, Raja Ampat, West Papua IMG_2350

Unidentified Feather duster worm, Raja Ampat, West Papua IMG_2350

Unidentified Featherduster worm gills, Raja Ampat, West Papua IMG_2353

Unidentified Featherduster worm gills, Raja Ampat, West Papua IMG_2353


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