Elevate the ethereal beauty of your reef aquarium with the captivating presence of the Hard Shell Coco Worm (Protula bispiralis). This exquisite marine invertebrate showcases delicate feather-like appendages that sway gracefully, adding a touch of vibrant elegance to your underwater paradise. With its mesmerizing appearance and unique feeding behavior, the Hard Shell Coco Worm is a stunning addition that will captivate the hearts of both novice and experienced aquarists.
Key Features:
The Hard Shell Coco Worm boasts a stunning crown of colorful, feathery appendages called radioles, which can come in shades of pink, orange, red, and white. These appendages elegantly filter feed, creating a mesmerizing spectacle in your aquarium. Watch in awe as the Hard Shell Coco Worm extends and retracts its radioles, creating an ever-changing dance of color and movement that adds a dynamic element to your reef environment. As a filter feeder, the Hard Shell Coco Worm contributes to maintaining water clarity by extracting suspended particles and microorganisms from the water column. This peaceful invertebrate is generally compatible with a variety of reef tank inhabitants, making it an ideal addition to well-maintained aquariums.
Care Requirements:
Aquarium Setup: Provide a mature and stable reef aquarium with live rock structures that offer secure attachment points for the Hard Shell Coco Worm. Adequate water flow is essential to ensure the radioles have access to a constant supply of particles for feeding.
- Temperature: Maintain a stable water temperature between 75°F and 80°F (24°C - 27°C).
- Salinity: Keep the salinity level at around 1.024 to 1.026.
- pH: Aim for a pH range of 8.1 to 8.4.
- Ammonia and Nitrite: Ensure ammonia and nitrite levels remain undetectable through regular water testing and diligent maintenance.
- Nitrate: Maintain nitrate levels below 10 ppm to promote optimal water quality.
Feeding and Behavior:
The Hard Shell Coco Worm is a filter feeder, capturing microscopic organisms and suspended particles from the water. It will naturally extend its radioles into the water column to catch food. While it primarily relies on filter feeding, supplemental feeding with liquid plankton or similar foods can help support its nutritional needs.
Compatibility and Maintenance:
The Hard Shell Coco Worm is generally peaceful and can coexist with various reef tank inhabitants, including small fish, corals, and other invertebrates. Maintain excellent water quality through regular water changes of 10-20% every 2-4 weeks, careful attention to filtration, and proper nutrient management.
Conclusion:
Add an element of grace and vibrant allure to your reef aquarium with the Hard Shell Coco Worm. Its stunning appearance, captivating behavior, and natural filtration capabilities make it a prized addition to any reef enthusiast's collection. By providing the appropriate care, habitat, and consideration, you can create an environment where the Hard Shell Coco Worm thrives, becoming a cherished centerpiece that enhances the visual splendor of your aquatic masterpiece.