featherduster
Contents:
- [M] Feather Dusters (SICK?)
by rgl/crosfield.co.uk (bob lawless) (3 Apr 92)
by rgl/crosfield.co.uk (bob lawless)
Date: 3 Apr 92
Newsgroup: rec.aquaria
In article <1992Apr1.154715.1-at-iowasp.physics.uiowa.edu> dyson-at-iowasp.physics.uiowa.edu (Rick Dyson) writes:
>I have a pair of Feather Duster worms which have seemed very happy for
>the last couple months but just the other day I found the "feathers" on
>the bottom of the tank and the worm had it's tube pinched shut. I have
>found another set of the "feathers" again but I also have seen what
>appears to be a healthy set of open feathers from one of the worms. Am I
>seeing symptons of some ailment or do Feather Dusters "molt"
>occasionally?
>
>Thanks for any help!
>--
>Richard L. Dyson INTERNET: Dyson-at-IowaSP.Physics.UIowa.EDU
> //-n-\\
> _____---=======---_____
> ====____\ /.. ..\ /____====
> // ---\__O__/--- \\
> \_\ /_/
Recently (late February), MSO and I purchased six featherdusters. I had a quick check in a book I intend to buy shortly `Invetibrates for Marine Aquarium' (I think) to see if they were compatible with my fish and that I had the correct food for them. All was ok, so the purchase went ahead.
On the third of fourth day after purchase, one of the beasties hopped out of its tree and lay on the `seabed'. It was in a state of decomposition (I thought). However, throwing caution to the wind we sat and observed him, since he was making undulating motions with his body (all six inches of it). Eventually I saw what looked like a small hole appearing approximately 1 inch from the head (defined as the bit that used to have the feathers - which were ejected and floating aroud the tank until we hooked them
out). Over a period of 4 or 5 hours, he completely severed himself into 1/6 and 5/6 respectively. The 5/6 part was clearly decomposing at a rapid rate with bits of flesh pealing all over the place and without any further motion. However, the 1/6 portion continued to make small motions and I made a guess that s/he (no `its' in my tank chaps and chapesses) was going to re-grow.
Anyway, s/he seeeemed to be sensitive to light (making sudden movements when I turned the lights [3 off tritons] on or off). Eventually, it became clear that th e beasty was going to survive and to date s/he is in the process of growing new feathers AT THE OPPOSITE END TO THE PREVIOUS SET!
My Orange spotted Goby is quite happy using him/her as a temporary stand and my wife, 2 sons and myself have spent many a happy hour watching events (including using a suggestion from one of the netters to switch off the lights and use a read lamp (since the guys and gals appear to be none too sensative to red beams). This suggestion has opened a new world of watching for us - thanks for the suggestion).
Sooooooo, to put my five-eggs-worth in the pot: the book stated that after spawning, feather dusters will eject their feathers in order to avoid EATING THEIR FUTURE OFFSPRING.
Whilst I am here netters, I have just returned from a business trip on Crete Island. Whilst dragging myself along the jolly old beach, I noticed many green sponge-like creatures washed up overnight. Wellll, too good a chance to miss, I collected one reasonabley firm specimen and brought him home. Totally ignoring all net advice about using a hospital tank (because I do not really have one), I popped him and three pieces of `seaweed' (base is made of woody material and has long thin leaves) into the tank. M
SO consequently suggested that we cut the leaves to see if the plants will grow and to reduce the possibility of disease (good MSO isn't she?).
Anyway, VI has got the better of me and I do not have any hair left, so, Do any of you know what I have brought back and how to care for them?
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bob Lawless Remember: You do not have 2B sick 2 get better!
rlawless-at-crosfield.co.uk Voice +44 442 230000 ext 3555
The Krib
Marine/Reefs
The Krib