Feather duster spits out feather head.....

[boots]

My feather duster "spit out" its feather head which was floating around the aquarium, but has now disappeared, I have no idea what happened to it. What caused this? Is the duster dead? What should I do with the tube?

Also, I've decided to replace this feather duster with a bright red coco duster. Is there anything I should be aware of with this duster?

Thanks.

[SteveP]

My feather duster "spit out" its feather head which was floating around the aquarium, but has now disappeared, I have no idea what happened to it. What caused this? Is the duster dead? What should I do with the tube?

Also, I've decided to replace this feather duster with a bright red coco duster. Is there anything I should be aware of with this duster?

Thanks.

I seem to remember reading somewhere that 'dusters do this occasionally, and that they can regrow the crown quite happily ?

Steve

[zhenya]

Actually, not to sound contradictory, the featherduster worms will shedd their crown/feeding net in case of acute stress or starvation and, generally, they don't persist for a long term in the tanks.Unless, you are willing to provide enough food for it by dosing large amounts of phytoplankton to satisfy it's needs in nutrition. Replacing one dead worm with another is a mistake, I think. I agree that they can/will regrow it's "feathers" if conditions are favorable and I'd urge you to research the needs of this animal before you decide on buying a new one.
Here's a good article to start http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-05/rs/index.htm