Some people have also exhibited an allergic reaction to the powdery residue from freeze-dried blood worms. Also, blood worms that have not been handled properly through the collection process can kill fish. Once thawed, they are ruined unless consumed. When purchasing blood worms, they must remain frozen before feeding. Minnows and guppies are often fed blood worms.

These flying insects can be a nuisance indoors.įish find blood worms very appealing, and in many cases irresistible. Midges do not eat, so there is no concern for providing food just maintaining a contained space. Some choose to allow the worms to reach adulthood and continue the mating process. Once the blood worms are harvested, they should be refrigerated or frozen. When they inhabit space with any fish species, they become what is known as a secondary host to some marine diseases. Most harvesters will scoop them out of the mud at night when the worm bodies are exposed.Įxperts warn that blood worm larvae and eggs should only harvested from bodies of water that carry no fish. When the larvae are exposed during the day, they construct mini-tubes for protection.

As larvae they burrow into the mud, thus staying away from light sources. They are also abundant in stagnant pools of fresh water. Their size is a favorite of discus, especially when dried and frozen.

Some anglers and aquarium owner harvest blood worm eggs and nurture them through the larval stage. In the adult stage, the insects do not bite and are often seen in large swarms.

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