How does a feather duster worm use its tentacular crown?

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annelid *The structure of polychaetes.* (Left) Free-moving polychaetes. (A) *Neanthes,* (B) *Nereis.* (Right) Tube-dwelling (sedentary) polychaetes. (C) *Amphitrite,* (D) *Sabella.*

The feather duster worm, a member of the family Sabellidae, utilizes its distinctive, multicoloured crown of finely divided tentacles for two primary survival functions: feeding and respiration.1

These tentacles are attached in two groups on either side of the worm’s head and are extended into the surrounding water to capture food particles and facilitate gas exchange. Because these structures are vital for the marine worm to thrive, the animal is highly sensitive to its environment; it will quickly retract the entire crown into its protective tube at the first sign of danger.1