Coco Worm

Protula bispiralis

Identification	A calcified white tube worm with a spectacular spiral crown of bright red, orange, pink, or white radioles (feathery plumes). Unlike most feather dusters, the Coco Worm has a hard, calcareous tube rather than a parchment one.
Maximum Size	Crown up to 3 inches across; tube up to 12 inches
Origin	Indo-Pacific, Caribbean
Minimum Tank Size	20 gallons
Reef Compatibility	Reef safe — excellent addition

Behavior

The Coco Worm is a filter feeder that extends its colorful spiral crown into the water column to capture plankton and particulate matter. It is extremely light-sensitive and will instantly retract its crown into its hard tube when disturbed or startled. Unlike soft-tube feather dusters, the Coco Worm cannot regenerate its crown if it is shed, so stable conditions are critical.

Diet & Feeding

Filter feeder. Captures phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fine particulate organic matter from the water column. In established reef tanks with good flow and plankton populations it may feed adequately on its own. Supplement with liquid phytoplankton or reef roids 2–3 times per week for best results.

Cautions

Sensitive to copper and other medications — remove from display tank before treating. Cannot regenerate its crown if shed (unlike soft-tube feather dusters), so avoid repeated handling or startling. Requires stable water parameters and moderate flow to keep plankton within reach of its crown.