Microworm Culture

A microworm culture is an easy, low-cost way to grow tiny, free-living roundworms (Panagrellus redivivus) that serve as a high-protein live food source for newborn aquarium fish fry. 

Setup and Materials

To create your own microworm culture, you will need the following:

• Container:
  Small plastic deli tub or margarine container with tiny ventilation holes in the lid.

• Substrate:
  A 0.5-inch to 1-inch layer of cooked oatmeal, rolled oats, or instant mashed potato flakes mixed with water to a paste-like consistency.

• Feed:
  A light dusting of active dry baker's yeast placed on the substrate for the worms and bacteria to consume.

• Starter:
  A small spoonful or drop from an existing live microworm culture.
  
  

Maintenance and Harvesting

• Environment:
  Keep at standard room temperature (20–28°C / 68–82°F).
  
  

• Harvesting:
  Within 3 to 5 days, millions of worms will climb up the clean inner sides of the container. Wipe them off using a clean finger, cotton swab, or wet brush and dip them into the fry tank.
  
  

• Lifespan:
  Cultures last about 2 to 4 weeks before becoming too foul or depleted. At this point, you should split a small portion into a fresh batch.