Common name: Banded Fanworm

General information

The Banded Fanworm, scientifically known as Bispira melanostigma, is a species of sedentary polychaete worm belonging to the family Sabellidae. These worms are known for their beautiful, fan-like crowns which are used for both feeding and respiration. The crown, or radioles, is banded with alternating light and dark colors, making them an attractive addition to the reef aquarium. They are often referred to as Social Feather Dusters due to their tendency to form clusters.

Care

Bispira melanostigma requires a stable aquarium with good water quality. They are filter feeders and need a constant supply of planktonic food to thrive. It's important to provide moderate water flow to facilitate feeding, but strong currents should be avoided as they can damage the delicate crowns. They anchor themselves in tubes made from mucus and sediment, so a substrate that allows them to construct their tubes is essential.

Reproduction

These worms are capable of both sexual and asexual reproduction. In the aquarium, they may reproduce by budding, where a new individual grows from the base of the parent. Sexual reproduction involves the release of gametes into the water column, but this is less common in the aquarium setting.

Symbiosis

While not known for any specific symbiotic relationships, their presence can be beneficial to the overall health of the aquarium by contributing to nutrient cycling and water filtration through their feeding habits.

Habitat

Banded Fanworms are found in a variety of marine environments, often in shallow waters where they can anchor to hard substrates or within crevices. They are widespread in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.