How to Raise Blackworms

Blackworms are segmented annelids that readily regenerate their own tissue. This nifty biological trick allows fragments of worm to be cut off and isolated and then used to begin a new worm population. Blackworms are a favorite food of betta fish, and aquarium enthusiasts will be happy to know that raising a population of blackworms at home is a simple and rewarding experience. A convenient source of live food, a blackworm colony can save fish fanatics money and more than a few trips to the pet store. At room temperature, the initial population can double in 4 weeks time, being fed nothing more than a few bits of fish food and a handful of shredded paper.

Things You'll Need

  • Small 5 to 10 gallon aquarium
  • Distilled water
  • Aquarium air pump
  • Blackworms
  • Cotton swab or eye dropper
  • Brown paper towels
  • Fish food pellets
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill a small aquarium or deep plastic dish with 2 to 3 inches of distilled water. Mark the water level with a piece of tape on the outside of the tank as it will need to be replaced due to evaporation.

    • 2

      Place a small air pump in the bottom of the tank to provide the worms with a source of oxygen.

    • 3

      Tear 10 brown paper towels into strips approximately 1 inch wide. Place the strips in the bottom of the worm tank.

    • 4

      Move 3 dozen healthy, intact worms into the spring water by means of an eye dropper or cotton swab. Do not use any type of metal instrument to transfer the worms and they are fragile and can be easily damaged by tools.

    • 5

      Add two small pellets of fish food (not flakes) to the worm tank. Check the tank every day and when the fish food pellets have been consumed, add more, increasing the quantity of pellets as the population of worms grows.

    • 6

      Remove any waste generated by the deterioration of the paper towels and replace the towel strips at least once a week.

    • 7

      Change the water in the worm tank as debris begins to accumulate, or at least once every two weeks. Decant the water by gradually inclining the tank over a sink and allowing the fluid to run down the drain. Once the liquid has been removed, replace it with fresh distilled water. Take care when pouring the old water off to keep the strips of paper and the worms inside the tank.