Live foods are a cornerstone of a nutritious diet for aquarium fish, offering high protein content, stimulating natural foraging behavior, and enhancing coloration. Among the live foods, white worms (Enchytraeus albidus) stand out as a particularly nutritious option. They boast a composition of roughly 70% protein, 14.5% fats, and 10% carbohydrates, making them an excellent food source for a wide range of carnivorous fish, including smaller cichlids. Nick Lockhart, a breeder at King Discus, incorporates white worms into the diet of breeding discus and juveniles twice a week to encourage feeding and stimulate breeding.
White worms are not only loved by fish but are also packed with essential nutrients that can contribute to the overall health and vitality of your aquarium inhabitants. Their size, typically between 3/4" to 1 1/2", positions them as an ideal food source for many fish species. The high protein content is crucial for growth and repair, while the fats provide a concentrated energy source. Carbohydrates, though less significant in the diet of carnivorous fish, still play a role in overall metabolism.
Raising white worms is relatively straightforward. A simple plastic shoebox, which can be purchased from any dollar store, will suffice for most hobbyists. To ensure the worms receive adequate oxygen, modify the container by cutting a small hole in the lid and covering it with breathable foam. Fill the box about three-quarters full with moist peat moss, which should be damp to the touch but not excessively wet. A good moisture test is to squeeze the peat moss and observe if only a few drops of water are released.
After adding your starter culture of worms, which can be sourced from local fish club auctions or classified ads in publications like Aquarium Fish Magazine or Aquarium USA, place a slice of wet, crustless white bread on top of the peat moss and cover it with a plastic sheet to prevent drying. Initially, bury the bread to avoid mold. Allow the worms about a week to establish before beginning to feed them, monitoring daily to ensure they are consuming the bread.
White worms thrive in cool, dark environments, away from insects. An apartment-sized refrigerator with a temperature control sensor set to maintain 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. Feed the worms a diet of Gerber's Baby Oatmeal mixed with a pinch of active dry yeast, being careful not to overfeed and cause mold. If mold does develop, remove it and adjust the feeding quantity accordingly.
To prevent a culture "crash" due to overpopulation, which is indicated by worms climbing the container sides, divide the culture before it becomes too large. Spread the medium on newspaper, separate it, and start a new culture in another shoebox with dampened peat moss. This ensures a continuous supply of white worms.
Harvesting is simple: collect a clump of worms from under the plastic sheet using tweezers or your fingers, rinse them with dechlorinated water to remove any soil or leftover food, and they're ready to be fed to your fish.
By following these guidelines, you can provide your fish with a steady supply of nutritious live food that will contribute to their health and vitality. Remember, a diverse diet is key to keeping your aquatic pets thriving, and white worms are a valuable addition to their menu.
For more information on the nutritional benefits of live foods for fish, visit FishBase or the American Cichlid Association.
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