Last updated on September 28th, 2023 at 02:06 am
Bloodworms are one of the most misunderstood creatures in an aquarium. They often get a bad reputation because they can be seen as blood-sucking pests that will kill your fish, but this is not true! They are actually an essential part of any aquatic ecosystem and should never be removed from your tank without reason.
They are a crucial part of any aquatic ecosystem and should be included in any aquarium, no matter what.
We’ll cover 11 reasons why bloodworms make great pets for any fish keeper, which you might find surprising!
What are bloodworms?
Bloodworms are the larvae of chironomid midges, nonbiting flies closely related to mosquitoes. They live in aquatic habitats around the world and can be found in both still water sources like ponds or slow moving currents such as rivers.
They come from freshwater environments but when they grow up into adults, their habitat changes drastically!
Where do bloodworms live?
They are aquatic creatures that live in freshwater and marine environments. They can be found all over the world, including in North America and Europe. Although they’re typically located in ponds near streams or drainage ditches, some species of bloodworms may also make their home within wetlands.
Where do bloodworms come from?
They are found in both saltwater and freshwater ecosystems. Their larvae first appeared during the Jurassic Era, which was over 200 million years ago.
Today, They are harvested from natural ponds and lakes. They can also be cultivated in large tanks or raceways. Some aquarists even grow their own at home.
What do bloodworms eat?
The bloodworm is a type of aquatic worm that feeds on detritus and other organic matter. They are an excellent source of food for fish, as they are high in protein and low in fat. They can be purchased from pet stores or online retailers, or you can collect them yourself by harvesting them from ponds or puddles that have decaying organic matter in them.
They are not just a source of food for fish, they also provide some other benefits to the aquarium environment. They help keep the water clean by eating up debris and waste that would otherwise accumulate on the bottom of your tank or be turned into nitrate through decomposition.
Types of bloodworms
There are two types of bloodworms: red and black. While both may be nutritious for your fish, the black ones generally appear to be more nutritious as they contain about 23% protein, while the red worms only have around 19%.
The black variety is usually very easy to find. They typically live in freshwater ponds and lakes (although some species live in saltwater).
The red variety is a bit harder to find, but can still be found at most pet stores. They are often used as bait by fishermen and therefore they shouldn’t cost much more than regular fish food (around $15 for 12 ounces).
Live Bloodworms
If you’re looking for a more nutritious option, live bloodworms may be the way to go. They contain around 27% protein and are a great source of other nutrients like omega fatty acids.
They can be found at most pet stores, but they will typically cost more than the freeze-dried variety (around $25 for 12 ounces).
A few things to note about live worms include that they do require more care than freeze-dried variety. You will need to keep them in a container with oxygen and change the water daily.
Another thing is that you should never feed your fish live bloodworms from your local pond as they may contain parasites.
Frozen Bloodworms
Frozen bloodworms are a great option if you’re looking for something that doesn’t require as much care as the live variety. They can be found at most pet stores and usually don’t cost too much (around $15 for 12 ounces).
Just like with live worms, you should never feed your fish frozen bloodworms from your local pond as they may contain parasites.
Which fish can you feed bloodworms to?
They are an ideal option for many types of fish. They especially work well with smaller species that might not eat other foods as easily, including neon tetras and bettas. You can also use them to feed fry or baby goldfish if you have them!
How to breed bloodworms
They are a great live food for many fish. They should be fed as part of a varied diet but they can also be used to condition new arrivals and help them recover from stress. There are various ways you can breed yours, the easiest being using last year’s breeding medium i.e. compost or soil which has been allowed to dry out.
Take a container and fill it with the compost or soil, then make small holes in the surface using a pencil or screwdriver. It is important that the holes are not too big as this will allow the worms to escape. Place the container in a warm place and wait for the worms to appear. You can speed up the process by adding a little water to the medium.
Once the worms have emerged, they can be fed to your fish or harvested for later use.
Bloodworms bait
They are an excellent bait for catching larger predatory fish. The best part about using bloodworms is that you can catch brackish or freshwater species, including peacock bass and trout if the worm is big enough.
The best way to use them as bait is to hook them through the mouth, making sure that the barb of the hook is facing out. This will ensure that when the fish bites, it will get hooked properly. You can also rig a bloodworm on a Carolina rig or Texas rig if you are targeting larger predatory fish.
They are also a great bait for catfish, and can be fished using a number of different techniques. For example, you can use a bloodworm as bait on a jug line or trotline, or you can rig it on a bottom bouncer.
No matter how you decide to fish with them, they make an excellent bait.
Reasons to keep bloodworms in your aquarium
- They are simple and clean creatures that don’t require a lot of care.
- They have been proven to boost immune systems in aquarium fish, helping them fight off disease.
- Bloodworm larvae provide an easy food source for baby fry if they’re having trouble finding natural food.
- They are a good way to get your fish to spawn.
- They’re a great source of protein for carnivorous fish.
- The high levels of iron in bloodworms make them ideal for treating anemia in aquarium fish.
- Bloodworm larvae help keep the tank water clean by eating up the decaying matter.
- They provide an easy food source for fish that are new to the hobby or have trouble finding natural foods.
- Their high levels of protein make them a great supplementary diet for your adult fish, especially during breeding season when nutrition is key!
- Since they won’t overpopulate your tank, they’re a great way to keep your fish entertained and encourage natural behaviors such as hunting.
- They are easy to find at pretty much any pet store that sells aquarium supplies!
FAQs about Bloodworms
How big do they get?
They typically grow to be about ½ inch long, but can sometimes reach up to ¾ inch in length.
Do they bite?
No, they do not have any teeth and cannot bite humans or other animals.
Are they safe to eat?
Yes, they are considered safe and healthy food for fish and other aquatic creatures. They are high in protein and contain many essential minerals.
How clean are they?
They should be kept in a container of pond water until the time that you need to use them, as this will help keep them alive and healthy for longer. If any dirt or debris finds its way into the container with yours, simply wash it away by using old pond water from the container.
What do I need to know about using them?
When you are ready to use them, place a small amount on the hook of a fishing line and cast away from any nearby rocks or trees. Once your bait is in the water, wait for fish to bite it before beginning to reel it back into the boat or shore. Be sure to keep an eye on your bait, as they can easily be scooped up by fish if they are swimming nearby.
How long will they stay alive?
If you store your bloodworms in a container of pond water and keep them cool, they should stay alive for about two weeks. You can also freeze them for later use.
What do I need to do if I want to keep them alive longer?
If you would like to keep them alive for a longer period of time, you can place them in a container of fresh water and store them in the fridge. They will stay healthy for about four days this way.
Where can I find them?
They can be found at most pet stores that sell fish or aquatic supplies. They may also be available at bait shops near you. You can also order them online if you cannot find them in your area.
