Coco Worms

[ryan820]

Does anyone have experience with keeping coco worms (feather dusters)? I'd like to get a specimen for the tank as I think they're pretty cool. Mile High Aquatics (Stewart) has them at a reasonable price and I've been mulling getting one but as usual, I'd like to know what I'm buying into!

I'm more interested in personal experiences as I can read on the net what I'm 'supposed' to do but that often differs what people do in reality.

Thanks!

 

[djkms]

Coco worms and feather dusters are 2 different animals. Feather Dusters are much easier to take care of. I have both in my system, both doing well. I feed my tank phytoplankton and zooplankton though.

btw Coco worms have a hard tube and feather dusters a soft tube. This is the easiest way to tell them apart.

 

[ryan820]

Coco worms and featheer dusters are 2 different animals. Feather Dusters are much easier to take care of. I have both in my system, both doing well. I feed my tank phytoplankton and zooplankton though.

btw Coco worms have a hard tube and feather dusters a soft tube. This is the easiest way to tell them apart.

You know, I did know this but I guess I forgot it! Although I didn't know the feather dusters had a soft tube. Honestly, I'd like to try both, though I don't have a source for feather dusters right now. Do you have a pic of yours?

I enjoy the tiny dusters in my tank a lot-- I think they're pretty cool-- but they're so so small. Thats why I'd like to get something a little bigger like the worms or feather dusters. I'm just psyched to add interesting things to my tank!

 

[djkms]

Feather dusters are pretty common and im sure most LFS carry them or can easily get them. Coco worms are not known to survive in captivity for longer than 6 months. I think I have had mine for about 7? I got it form Gonzo at the last meet at his house which was in October/November I think. Anyways here are some pictures:

Coco Worm

Feather Duster

 

[MattL]

My coco has been in my system for about a year now, knock on wood. I spot fee him a few times every now and then, but other than that they seem easy.

 

[ryan820]

So why don't they do so swell in captivity? Is it because they need more food available in the water column?

Matt-- glad to hear yours is still alive after a year. I haven't given up hope on getting coco worms but have to admit I'm a little more hesitant now after hearing of DJ's experience.

 

[DGPets]

We have several Coco's at the store, and they always do pretty well as long as some phytoplankton is periodically added.