Frozen bloodworms may not cause our mouths to water, but they are the choice snack for a number of fish species! Here are some things to know before tossing a few into the tank.
It’s important to note the difference between frozen and freeze-dried. Here we will discuss frozen bloodworms, which are packaged in cubes. The freezing process kills bacteria and parasites, making this a safer option than feeding live bloodworms. Some nutrients are lost in the process of freezing, but about 90% is retained. In terms of risk/reward ratio, the risk is much reduced by eliminating harmful elements, and the reward is only minimally reduced by a small loss of nutrients.
This inexpensive food option provides a source of protein to your fish, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.
While practically any fish that is not completely herbivorous will enjoy bloodworms, a few that especially appreciate this treat are:
- Bettas
- Axolotls
- Mollies
- Guppies
- Platies
- Angelfish
- Goldfish
Bloodworms are not meant to be the sole element of any fish’s regular feeding; rather, it should be used as only one part of a balanced diet.
Table of Contents
How do I feed frozen bloodworms to my fish?
Frozen bloodworms come in packages where they are packed into frozen cubes. Unless you have a lot of fish who can consume the whole cube at one feeding within a few minutes, you may consider taking an x-acto knife to slice only what is needed from the cube. Place any remainder, along with the opened package, into a Ziploc bag or airtight container which can go back into the freezer.
Take a cup and scoop a very small amount of aquarium water into it. Then place the frozen bloodworm portion into the cup to thaw. This only needs to be done for around 1-3 minutes before being dumped into the tank for the fish to enjoy. Be careful not to over-thaw them before feeding.
How many bloodworms should I feed my fish?
The number of bloodworms that you should feed your fish depends on the size of your fish. A small fish would require approximately 1-2 worms at a time, a medium sized fish would need 3-4 worms, and a large fish would need 5-6 worms.
If you notice any pieces remaining leftover and uneaten, or sinking to the bottom to be lost in the substrate, reduce the quantity of the next feeding. It may take some trial and error, but the main thing is to only feed what can be eaten within just a few minutes so that the leftovers don’t remain to rot and produce toxic ammonia over time.
How often should I feed frozen bloodworms to my fish?
Fish absolutely love the taste of bloodworms, but this food source is not enough to provide a balanced diet in and of itself. It’s also not good to feed too much of it too often. Health issues can result, such as bloating and constipation, if this is overused. Fish can also become addicted to it, therefore making them picky eaters that refuse to eat anything else.
Bloodworms should not be fed more than twice a week to the fish. Keep it as a special treat, rather than the daily course.
Conclusion
Frozen bloodworms are an excellent option that is good for your wallet as well as for the health of your fish. Like most things, moderation is key to keeping the water clean and the fish safe and sound.