Care Level: Advanced
Reef Compatible: Yes
General Description: The Coco Worm, also known as the Hard Tubeworm or Hard Tube Feather Duster, originates from the Indo-Pacific. Typical specimens that are encountered in the hobby have a crown that is red or pink in color with white patterning. Coco worms secrete a calcium carbonate that creates their hard tube, which is used to house and protect its body. If disturbed, it will quickly retract its crown into this tube. Coco worms on average reach a length of 7″ in aquaria, but can grow up to 12″.
Diet Requirements: The care level for this invertebrate is advanced because of its tedious dietary requirements that can be challenging to replicate. Coco worms are filter feeders, requiring frequent doses of a high quality live phytoplankon. There is some speculation that zooplankton can also be used to supplement feeding. Established aquariums can provide some dietary components, such as suspended particles from coral or fish foods, but this does not replace the need for phytoplankton.
Tank Requirements: A very established, minimum aquarium size of 55 gallons is recommended to house a Coco worm. The reason for this size is because maintaining stable water parameters is a major component to the success of keeping this invertebrate and they have intolerance to poor water quality. Proper alkalinity and calcium levels are also required in order for the Coco worm to maintain and grow its tube, which makes this species more difficult that its closely related counterpart, the Feather duster (Sabellastarte sp.). Coco worms prefer to be on the bottom tucked under a ledge out of direct aquarium light and need moderate flow to filter feed efficiently. Crevices should be created with reef rock in order to mimic the Coco worm’s natural environment, as they will attach the end of its tube into one of these spaces. Recommended water conditions: 76-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.024-1.026, calcium 420-440 ppm.
Purchase Size: 4″ to 6″
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase size is approximate.