Feather Duster Worm

Feather Duster Worms belong to Annelids (Annelida) and have a very unusual way of life. They are species with limited mobility since they live in tunnels in mud or in tubes they produce themselves. Their diet consists of small particles trapped in antennae-like appendages which are the only parts of the body projecting from the tube. They can be retracted extremely quickly at any sign of a danger. The antennae are often very brightly colored. During reproduction the gametes are released freely into the water where the fertilization takes place. Feather Duster Worms inhabit mainly the tropical oceans.