Black Worms and parasites

[RTRJR]

Back in the dark ages, Tubifex developed a nasty reputation. Blackworms seem to not have that. I have used them for multiple generation of my rainbows and have never seen any symptoms of any parasites in them or the other fish to which they have been fed. The rainbows have had then every other day for their entire existence in my house. I have also used them on the same schedule for dwarf puffers witout any issues, and I promise you that if DPs get intestinal worms, you will know. They seem to have no resistance to such.

I do see non-parasitic flukes in the cultures I purchase from the LFS periodically, but I just pipette those out.

Mine are kept in the standard blue worm boxes, but at lower than suggested density, not refigerated, rinsed daily.

[PaulS]

Mine are kept in the standard blue worm boxes

Where did get your worm boxes? I'd like to get one.

[krisw]

I got mine from Scales, but they can be had for much less online. I've never ordered from this place, but this is what you're looking for:

Worm Keeper
http://aquaticfoods.com/blackwormcare.html

[PaulS]

Thanks Kris.

Coincidentally, that website also has information about the very same topic as this thread. I pasted it below. Of course, they sell black worms so it may be biased...

I know that recently we have been discussing the pros and cons of blackworms as a live food. In the past I have received literature from a scientist that specializes in invertebrates and has written extensively on blackworm biology. His name is Dr. Charles Drewes. If you recall my writings on blackworm culture, I referenced him there. Biological supply laboratories also include his research when they supply live worms.

I recently sent him an email to ask his opinion on the disease aspects we have discussed.

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Dear Dr. Drewes,

I raise a tropical fish called Discus as a hobby. The question has been raised by my fellow hobbyists as to whether or not Lumbriculus variegatus can act as an intermediate host for tapeworms to be passed then on to our fish. Also the question was asked if they could possibly ingest eggs of parasitic worms, and gill flukes, and then pass them along to the Discus. I am also a biologist and I have searched the literature and found no research to support this.

May I ask you opinion on this matter? I know from my literature searches that you have researched this organism extensively. Any information you could give me is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.


Sincerely,

Al Sabetta


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Dr. Drewes reply...

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Dear Al,

You are correct. There is no published evidence whatsoever that Lumbriculus is an intermediate host for tapeworms. I suppose that any scavenging organism, including many fish, could inadvertently ingest tapeworm eggs and then, through either predation (being eaten) or by defecation, pass them onto another organism. To avoid that remote possibility, I suppose it might be prudent to let newly acquired organisms (worms and fish) clear their gut contents in a separate container, if you don't know what they have been eating. I continue to glean the Lumbriculus literature but have found no support for the concern and claim about tapeworms. Thanks very much for your message and interest.

Charles Drewes
Professor of Zoology and Genetics


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