7 replies to this topic

[Moontanman]

What is the difference between black and tubifex worms? 

[gerald]

They're two different families of Oligochates:  Lumbriculidae vs. Tubificidae.  Both are good as fish food, similar nutritional value, but because Tuibifex are more pollution-tolerant they're more likely to be harvested from sources with high levels of toxic metals, pesticides, bacteria, etc.  If you have a "safe" source then Tubifex are fine.

[PBK]

You can tell them apart easily by their their reactions when they are disturbed, Blackworms violently squirm when touched and tubifex don’t. Blackworms tend to hide in pond plants in fish less ponds. Tubifex are found in mud or bottom sludge in less than ideal water conditions. Mud worms (tubifex?) can be found in muddy shallow edges of ponds. Look for muddy areas dotted with little holes on the surface. Get a wire strainer and scoop some mud then swirl the mud out in the water. CAUTION: if the pond contains coiled or ramshorn type snails, fish, and is frequented by water birds these worms may have parasites. Good luck.

[El Todd]

I've been told that black worms are kind of like candy for fish in terms of nutritional profile - so should be more of a snack food than a staple. I haven't really looked into it muck though.

[gerald]

That may be true if the worms are kept warm and not fed.   Either keep them cold, so they don't metabolize their stored fat, or keep them fed with pellet fish food.  They are fantastic for getting fish into spawning condition, so I doubt the "candy" analogy.

[El Todd]

That may be true if the worms are kept warm and not fed.   Either keep them cold, so they don't metabolize their stored fat, or keep them fed with pellet fish food.  They are fantastic for getting fish into spawning condition, so I doubt the "candy" analogy.

 

How would you compare their nutritional profile to mosquito larvae?

[lilyea]

I can't address the nutritional component directly.  Based on my anecdotal experience in Florida where we have plenty of mosquito larva, I have had far better breeding results with black worms.  However, availability of black worms is more of a challenge than mosquito larva.  Of the 100+ species of fish that have bred in my tanks, black worms certainly helped make that number happen.  I keep telling myself that I need to start culturing black worms, but have yet to actually do it.  

[El Todd]

I can't address the nutritional component directly.  Based on my anecdotal experience in Florida where we have plenty of mosquito larva, I have had far better breeding results with black worms.  However, availability of black worms is more of a challenge than mosquito larva.  Of the 100+ species of fish that have bred in my tanks, black worms certainly helped make that number happen.  I keep telling myself that I need to start culturing black worms, but have yet to actually do it.  

 

I'll try both this summer and see what happens.