Where to Buy Quality Live Blackworms for Aquarium Fish

Finding Quality Live Blackworms

When keeping fish, especially delicate species like bettas, it's important to provide a nutritious diet. Live foods can be an excellent option as they closely mimic what these fish eat in the wild. Blackworms are a popular choice as they pack a lot of protein and nutrients in a bite-sized package that most aquarium fish love.

What are Blackworms?

Blackworms (Lumbriculus variegatus) are small dark worms that live in the mud at the bottom of freshwater habitats across North America. They have segmented bodies, measure 1-3 inches long, and wiggle through the substrate feeding on decaying organic material. Their high protein and moisture content makes them an enticing snack for fish and amphibians.

Benefits of Feeding Blackworms

There are several advantages to offering live blackworms to your aquarium residents including:

• Excellent nutrition profile with 60-70% protein
• Aid digestion in delicate fish
• Triggers natural foraging behaviors and enrichment
• Easier for small fish to capture and eat
• Fun addition to planted aquariums as they aerate the soil

The movement and nutrients of blackworms brings out lively behaviors you rarely see with flake or pellet foods alone. By providing essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and enzymes they support good health and proper development, especially in young fish and fry. Their soft bodies are also easy for elderly or sick fish to eat.

Purchasing Healthy Blackworms

Not all blackworm colonies are equal when it comes to quality. You want worms raised in clean, unpolluted water with adequate food sources. Here are some tips for selecting healthy blackworm cultures and live feeds:

Check Color and Activity Level

Quality blackworms have jet black skin with a slime coat that makes them shine. They should be slender and streamlined in shape. Most importantly, they need to be very active when you first get them home. They will be less active at cooler temperatures but should perk up once added to a heated aquarium.

Avoid Excess Debris

Some debris like bits of leaves or sediment is normal but the worms themselves should be clean. Watch out for excess amounts of decomposing organic matter, dirt, feces and uneaten food mixed in with them. Good blackworm colonies are maintained to prevent accumulation of wastes.

Select Reputable Suppliers

Buying blackworms from experienced aquatic hobby stores and breeders is best. They focus on optimizing water quality and nutrition specifically for raising healthy worms. Quality vendors will also package and ship them more carefully during transport.

Keeping Blackworms Before Feeding

Once you get your new blackworms home, you'll need to keep them alive in the refrigerator until you are ready to feed them to your fish. Here are some tips for proper acclimation and storage:

Use Chilled Spring Water

Fill a container with clean, dechlorinated water cooled to 50-60°F. Use bottled spring water closest to their natural pH if your tap water is heavily treated. Place a few ounces of washed aquarium gravel, Java moss or clean pond mud in the bottom for them to burrow into.

Feed Lightly

Add a tiny pinch of quality fish flakes, shrimp pellets or blanched vegetables 2-3 times a week. Overfeeding reduces water quality so less is more. This light feeding keeps their digestive systems active.

Change Water Weekly

Siphon out and replace at least 25% of the water each week. Use water of the same temperature if possible so they don't get shocked. This prevents waste buildup that stresses them out.

Stored properly, healthy blackworms can live for months in the refrigerator. But they do best moved to your aquarium within 2-4 weeks of delivery so they stay vigorous for fish to catch and eat.

Feeding Blackworms to Aquarium Fish

When kept cold, blackworms are slow moving. So before feeding, let them gradually warm up to room temperature. Then follow these tips when offering them as treats:

Rinse Well

Use a small mesh net to transfer blackworms into a container filled with tank water. Swirl and lift them out a few times to rinse away debris brought over from storage.

Feed Just a Few at First

Put in only 4-5 worms to start so shy fish get a chance to try them. It also prevents fouling the water if your fish don’t end up eating them right away.

Drop Them In Front of Fish

Use tweezers to place live blackworms right near where fish are hovering. The movement as they sink will trigger a feeding response. Scatter more around the tank once they develop a taste for them.

Feed smaller amounts daily or larger portions 2-3 times a week. Adjust quantities based on consumption so none accumulate uneaten. Pinching off pieces works well for juvenile fish too. Rinse and refrigerate any leftovers to feed again within 3-4 days.

When cared for properly, live blackworm cultures can provide a convenient, nutritious supplemental food source. Offer them in rotation along with high quality prepared foods for a balanced diet that keeps aquarium fish thriving.

FAQs

How long do live blackworms live in the refrigerator?

With proper acclimation and light weekly feeding, healthy blackworms can live for 2-4 months stored in the refrigerator. Change 25% of their water weekly to maintain clean conditions.

What is the shelf life for live blackworms?

Kept chilled between 50-60°F, live blackworms have a shelf life of around 2-4 months. For best quality, they should be fed to fish within 4 weeks of delivery. Leftovers can be stored for re-feeding within 3-4 days.

Can I culture blackworms at home?

Yes, you can create a simple blackworm farm at home using plastic storage boxes filled with mud, decaying leaves and water. Cool temperatures around 60°F work best. Just be sure to change their water frequently.

What fish can I feed live blackworms to?

Most small freshwater fish like bettas, guppies, tetras, rasboras, corydoras, danios and dwarf cichlids enjoy eating live blackworms. They are nutritious for both adult fish and fry.

Are blackworms safe for my fish?

Yes, when fed in moderation as part of a balanced diet blackworms are perfectly safe. Ensure they are active and vigorous when purchased. Rinsing well before feeding removes debris that could foul your tank.