{"product_id":"protula-bispiralis-red","title":"Protula bispiralis Red Feather Duster Worm","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProtula bispiralis\u003c\/strong\u003e, often sold as the red feather duster worm, is a striking marine tube worm prized for its graceful, fan-like crown and peaceful nature. This species belongs to the family Serpulidae and is a true filter feeder, extending a delicate crown of radioles from a calcareous tube to capture fine suspended food from the water column. In the aquarium, it creates constant gentle movement and a natural reef look, making it a favourite for aquarists who enjoy distinctive invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnlike many ornamental animals, feather duster worms are not active swimmers or grazers. They rely on stable water quality, mature live rock, and a steady supply of microscopic food. When settled properly, they can be rewarding and long-lived additions to a marine display. Their vivid red crown adds a splash of colour, while their tube-dwelling lifestyle means they remain largely stationary and non-invasive.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt Tropical Fish Co, we carefully select and pack marine livestock to help ensure a healthy start in your aquarium. With our \u003cstrong\u003elive arrival guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003efast UK delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e, you can order with confidence and receive your feather duster worm in excellent condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare at a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCare Level\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTemperament\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAdult Size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTypically 10-20 cm crown span, tube length variable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e80 litres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTemperature\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e22-26°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003epH\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8.1-8.4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDiet\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFilter feeder; fine particulate marine foods, phytoplankton, zooplankton\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTank Region\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBottom \/ fixed to rockwork\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; Natural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProtula bispiralis\u003c\/strong\u003e is a marine polychaete worm found in tropical and subtropical seas, where it lives attached to hard surfaces such as rocks, coral rubble, and crevices in sheltered reef environments. In nature, it inhabits areas with moderate water movement that delivers a constant stream of suspended plankton and organic particles. The worm secretes a protective tube and extends its crown into the current to feed, retracting rapidly if disturbed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIts natural habitat is typically clean, oxygen-rich seawater with stable salinity and minimal pollution. This is why feather duster worms do best in mature aquariums with established biological filtration and low levels of dissolved waste. They are not suited to newly set-up tanks or systems with unstable chemistry.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTank Setup \u0026amp; Water Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor best results, provide a mature marine aquarium with plenty of stable live rock, gentle to moderate flow, and fine suspended food in the water column. The worm should be placed where it can extend its crown into a steady current without being blasted directly by a powerhead. A shaded crevice or sheltered area in the rockwork is often ideal, as many individuals prefer to anchor their tube in a protected position.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFeather duster worms are sensitive to sudden changes in salinity, temperature, and nutrient levels. Acclimation should be slow and careful, ideally by drip acclimation, to reduce stress. Avoid exposing the worm to air for prolonged periods during transfer. Once settled, it is normal for the crown to retract when the tank is disturbed, during lights-on changes, or if fish swim too close. This is a defensive response, not necessarily a sign of poor health.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMaintain excellent water quality with low ammonia and nitrite, and keep nitrate as low as practical in a reef environment. Stable salinity is especially important. Because these worms are filter feeders, they benefit from regular feeding of very fine foods, but overfeeding should be avoided to prevent water quality issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRecommended parameters:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 22-26°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecific gravity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.023-1.026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1-8.4\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum tank size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 80 litres\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eGood water movement and mature biological filtration are more important than strong lighting. In fact, intense direct light is unnecessary; the worm feeds from the water column rather than relying on photosynthesis.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProtula bispiralis\u003c\/strong\u003e is a suspension feeder and should be offered very fine marine foods that remain in the water long enough to be captured by the crown. Suitable options include phytoplankton, rotifers, copepod preparations, and finely milled reef foods. Target feeding can be helpful, but it should be done gently and without forcing food directly onto the worm.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFeed small amounts several times per week, or more frequently in very mature systems with strong export. The key is balance: enough suspended nutrition to support the worm, but not so much that the aquarium becomes polluted. If the crown remains extended and the worm is actively feeding, that is a good sign. If it stays withdrawn for long periods, check for flow issues, aggressive tank mates, or unstable water conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause feather duster worms do not eat algae or detritus in the way some invertebrates do, they should not be considered a clean-up crew member. They are specialised filter feeders and need appropriate planktonic foods to thrive.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTank Mates \/ Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a peaceful invertebrate that is best kept with calm, reef-safe fish and other non-aggressive marine livestock. Suitable tank mates include small gobies, clownfish, blennies, cardinalfish, firefish, chromis, cleaner shrimp, peppermint shrimp, and other gentle reef invertebrates. Reef-safe snails and hermit crabs are usually fine, provided they do not disturb the worm’s tube.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvoid fish known for picking at invertebrates, such as many angelfish, butterflyfish, triggerfish, puffers, large wrasses, and aggressive crabs. Even curious fish may nip at the crown, causing the worm to retract repeatedly and potentially leading to stress or starvation. Crustaceans that dig, bulldoze rockwork, or probe crevices can also be problematic if they destabilise the tube.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlace the worm in a secure position where it will not be dislodged by strong currents or active tank mates. Once established, it can become a long-term feature in a peaceful reef aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from Tropical Fish Co\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt Tropical Fish Co, we understand that marine invertebrates need careful handling, stable conditions, and prompt delivery. That is why we focus on quality livestock, expert packing, and reliable service from order to arrival. Our marine animals are selected with care, and we aim to give every customer the best possible start with their new addition.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen you order from us, you benefit from \u003cstrong\u003efast UK delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e and our \u003cstrong\u003elive arrival guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e, giving you extra peace of mind when buying delicate marine livestock online. We also provide clear care guidance so you can set up the right environment before your feather duster worm arrives. Whether you are building a reef display or adding a unique filter feeder to an established marine tank, \u003cstrong\u003eProtula bispiralis\u003c\/strong\u003e is a beautiful and rewarding choice.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Fish Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57446824444239,"sku":"M202","price":122.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/protula-bispiralis-red-hero-driftwood-m202.webp?v=1777559419","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/protula-bispiralis-red","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}