The Feather Duster Worm is generally easy to keep and can add an elegant touch to many aquariums. Though some members of its family are considered to be pests, there is no doubt that the Feather Duster Worm is a lovely species that is also useful in the home aquarium.

A filter feeder, the Feather Duster Worm can help can help remove waste in the aquarium by feeding on particles floating in the water. Most will thrive without supplemental feedings of liquid organic material or phytoplankton. Unless there are unusual circumstances, supplemental feedings are not recommended. These non-aggressive, non-venomous worms can add a lovely accent to many tanks. The main concern seems to be that aggressive species may damage the Feather Duster. Feather Dusters are also very sensitive to poor water quality and to copper based medication, so it is essential to maintain clean water and to treat ailing tank mates in a quarantine tank. Under poor conditions, or in situations where levels of dissolved oxygen are poor, the Feather Duster may leave its tube in an effort to move to better conditions. They may also drop their plume. Failure to correct the poor conditions may result in death for the worm. Feather Dusters can regenerate their tubes and their plumes. In the wild, Feather Dusters are most often found in areas rich in coral rubble. In captivity, it will normally reside at the bottom of a reef aquarium in a coral rubble substrate. Feather Dusters do best when added to well-established reef tanks where they can obtain plenty of food.

The Feather Duster normally grows to a length of about 4 or 5 inches (10 or 12 centimeters). It resides in a leathery tube, which is made of secretions from the Feather Duster itself. Sometimes rubble or debris from the Feather Duster's surroundings is incorporated into the tube. From the tube, the Feather Duster extends a fan like gill structure from the top of the tube to filter particles from the water. This delicate fan is colored brown and white, though tan and orange shades may also be available.

Feather Duster Worms are native to the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Similar species can also be found along the southern coast of the United States, and is often found in the Bahamas and the West Indies.

Feather Dusters will normally do well in temperatures between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit (23 to 26 degrees Celsius). The pH value should remain at 8.3 to 8.4, and the specific gravity should stay at a value between 1.023 and 1.025. Feather Dusters cannot tolerate high nitrate levels, and they are also quite sensitive to copper based medications. Levels of dissolved oxygen should remain high, and the presence of a moderate water current will normally be appreciated. The Feather Duster worm is not venomous and not aggressive; however,it may be eaten by larger or more aggressive species. Feather Dusters normally filter food from the water. Supplemental feedings are generally not necessary. A Feather Duster will do best in a well-established system. When purchasing a specimen, try to get one with a complete tube. If the specimen is exposed to air, manipulate it underwater to remove air bubbles. If you are collecting a Feather Duster from the wild, try to avoid specimens found in inter-tidal areas. If your Feather Duster leaves its tube, you should do your best to maintain ideal levels in your system, keeping the environment stable. Regular feeding may also help. If a Feather Duster loses its plumes, poor water quality may be to blame. Keeping water quality optimized is recommended, and most Feather Dusters are able to regrow their plumes given proper conditions.

Feather Dusters are not reproduced in captivity.