Alatiseidae

Alatiseidae is a family of marine annelid worms belonging to the order Sabellida. These worms are commonly known as fan worms or feather duster worms due to the distinctive crown of feathery appendages, called radioles, that they unfurl from their tube. This crown is used for both respiration and filter-feeding, capturing small particles of organic matter from the water column.

Members of the Alatiseidae family construct protective tubes, typically made of secreted mucus and embedded foreign particles such as sand grains and shell fragments. These tubes are usually attached to hard substrates like rocks, coral, or other benthic organisms. When disturbed or threatened, the worm can rapidly retract its crown into the opening of its tube, offering protection.

Alatiseidae are found in marine environments worldwide, inhabiting a range of habitats from shallow coastal waters to the deep sea. They play an important role in their ecosystems as filter feeders, contributing to water clarity and providing a food source for other marine animals. The family includes various genera and species, each with specific adaptations to their particular ecological niche.