Sabellidae

Sabellidae is a family of marine polychaete worms in the phylum Annelida, commonly treated within the order Canalipalpata (often called Sabellida). Members are known as feather duster worms for their conspicuous crown of radioles, which they use in feeding and respiration. Most Sabellidae are sedentary, tube-dwelling filter feeders.

Anatomy typically includes a short prostomium and a segmented trunk, with the anterior end bearing a crown of feathery radioles arranged in tufts. The crown is extended for feeding and withdrawn into a protective mucus or calcareous tube when threatened.

They are distributed worldwide in marine environments from shallow shores to deeper waters, often attaching to soft substrates, rocks, shells, or artificial substrates. Feeding is filter-based, with particles trapped by mucus nets on the radioles and ingested.

Reproduction is generally dioecious with external fertilization. Gametes are released into the water, producing free-swimming trochophore larvae that settle and metamorphose into juvenile worms within tubes. Some species show variations such as brooding or direct development.

Genera include Sabella, Sabellastarte, Eudistylia, and Bispira. The Sabellidae have long been the subject of taxonomic revision, and tube morphology and other characters are used to distinguish Sabellidae from related families.

Ecologically, sabellids contribute to benthic filtration and habitat complexity. They are encountered in the aquarium trade and, in some regions, invasive species such as Branchiomma boholense have established populations, highlighting the need for careful identification and monitoring.