{"product_id":"red-fan-worm-protula-bispiralis","title":"Red Fan Worm Protula Bispiralis","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eRed Fan Worm (Protula bispiralis)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e(Also known as the Red Tube Worm or Double-Spiral Fan Worm)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Red Fan Worm (\u003cem\u003eProtula bispiralis\u003c\/em\u003e) is a beautiful and delicate \u003cstrong\u003etube-dwelling polychaete worm\u003c\/strong\u003e known for its \u003cstrong\u003ebright red, orange, or pink spiral feeding crowns\u003c\/strong\u003e that extend from a hard, calcareous tube. These elegant filter feeders bring natural movement and colour to reef aquariums. Typically reaching \u003cstrong\u003e5–7 cm (2–3 inches)\u003c\/strong\u003e in crown diameter and up to \u003cstrong\u003e10 cm (4 inches)\u003c\/strong\u003e in total length, \u003cem\u003eProtula bispiralis\u003c\/em\u003e is peaceful, reef safe, and thrives in mature aquariums with stable water quality and regular plankton feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eNative to the \u003cstrong\u003eIndo-Pacific region\u003c\/strong\u003e, including the Red Sea, East Africa, Indonesia, Fiji, and the Great Barrier Reef. Found in \u003cstrong\u003eshallow reef slopes, rocky crevices, and coral rubble zones\u003c\/strong\u003e, often attached to hard substrates where gentle currents deliver suspended food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Red Fan Worm is a \u003cstrong\u003esuspension feeder\u003c\/strong\u003e, relying on its feather-like radioles to capture microscopic food from the water. In aquariums, it must be regularly fed with fine planktonic foods:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLive or concentrated phytoplankton (essential)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eZooplankton and marine snow\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFine powdered coral or invertebrate foods (e.g. Reef-Roids, Reef Phyto)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed \u003cstrong\u003e3–5 times per week\u003c\/strong\u003e, ideally using a \u003cstrong\u003etarget feeding method\u003c\/strong\u003e near the worm’s crown when extended. Consistent feeding supports growth and prevents starvation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Flow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow to moderate, indirect flow.\u003c\/strong\u003e Ensure enough current to carry suspended food without disturbing or collapsing the worm’s feeding crown. Too much direct flow may cause it to retract frequently and expend unnecessary energy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLighting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow to moderate lighting.\u003c\/strong\u003e The Red Fan Worm is non-photosynthetic and does not require strong lighting. It often prefers shaded or partially lit areas such as under rock ledges or coral overhangs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlacement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlace securely in \u003cstrong\u003erock crevices or sand gaps\u003c\/strong\u003e where it can attach its calcareous tube.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid moving it once settled — damage to the tube or disturbance can cause the worm to abandon its home.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEnsure stable surroundings with gentle flow and regular feeding access.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompletely peaceful.\u003c\/strong\u003e Suitable for all reef-safe fish and invertebrates. Ideal companions include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClownfish, gobies, blennies, and firefish\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCleaner shrimp, hermit crabs, and snails\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCorals of all types (soft, LPS, SPS)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePredatory fish such as butterflyfish, large wrasses, puffers, or triggers that may nip at the feeding crown.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAggression\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNon-aggressive.\u003c\/strong\u003e Will not harm any tank mates. However, it may retract if startled, and excessive harassment can cause it to starve or abandon its tube.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExperience Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntermediate to advanced.\u003c\/strong\u003e While hardy under stable conditions, \u003cem\u003eProtula bispiralis\u003c\/em\u003e requires regular feeding and a mature, well-established reef aquarium to thrive long-term. Sensitive to parameter swings and rough handling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24–27°C (75–81°F)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.024–1.026 SG\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness (dKH):\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCalcium:\u003c\/strong\u003e 400–450 ppm (important for tube growth)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Minimum \u003cstrong\u003e50 gallons (190L)\u003c\/strong\u003e with stable, mature water chemistry\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRegular water changes and controlled nutrient levels support longevity and healthy plume extension.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFully reef safe.\u003c\/strong\u003e The Red Fan Worm coexists peacefully with all corals and invertebrates, adding colour and natural plankton filtration to the reef environment. Ideal for mixed reef systems that are routinely fed with phytoplankton or micro foods.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Real Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56864377897335,"sku":"FSH-00651","price":99.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/0386\/8610\/files\/Red-Fan-Worm-Protula-Bispiralis.png?v=1773330371","url":"https:\/\/realaquatics.co.uk\/products\/red-fan-worm-protula-bispiralis","provider":"Real Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}