Magnificent Feather Duster

The Magnificent Feather Duster (Sabellastarte magnifica) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe, admired for its large, fan-like feeding crown with striking purple, blue, and white coloration, delicate feathery tentacles, and elegant, stationary presence in aquariums. This species is not sexually dimorphic in an obvious way, so males and females are generally similar in appearance, while juveniles display the same crown structure and smaller overall size. They reach about 3–5 inches in length (tube plus crown) and should be housed in aquariums of at least 20–30 gallons.

Provide a stable sandy or fine gravel substrate for anchoring, secure live rock crevices for tube attachment, and gentle to moderate water flow. Maintain stable water parameters (salinity ~1.020–1.025, temp ~72–79°F, pH ~8.1–8.4). They are sessile, so a secure lid is not strictly necessary, but care should be taken to avoid strong currents or disturbances.

Diet should consist of planktonic foods such as phytoplankton, rotifers, finely powdered or liquid marine foods. With proper care, this species makes a visually stunning and functional addition to reef aquariums, adding both color and natural filtration benefits.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA. Some species are import-to-order (3-10 business days). Many common species are already cleared or near the end of QT.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.