Feather Duster Worm

The FEATHER DUSTER WORM has a body enclosed in a leather-like tube and a large fan or crown that looks like a feather duster, hence the name. It uses the crown for respiration and for filtering particles from the water. When the crown is touched or senses a shadow, it immediately retreats inside the tube. 

Because of their feeding habits collecting particles in the water, these worms prefer turbid waters with decent currents. When a particle of food is collected, it moves to the groove in the center of the crown propelled by hairlike cilia. Once particles reach the base of the crown, they are sorted by size. The small particles are eaten, while the larger particles are either discarded or mixed with mucus to extend its tube. #scuba #dive #scubadive #hhd #honuhawaiiandiving #fishfacts #worm #featherdusterworm

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