How to Culture Micro Worms

Keeping micro worms (Panagrellus redivivus) alive is relatively straightforward, as they are hardy and require minimal maintenance.  Here’s how to set up and maintain a thriving micro worm culture:

Setting Up the Culture

1. Container: Use a shallow plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Make small ventilation holes in the lid to allow airflow and prevent the buildup of gases.
2. Substrate: Prepare a mixture of oatmeal or instant potato flakes with water to create a moist, but not too wet, substrate. The consistency should be like thick porridge.

Starting the Culture

1. Starter Culture: Obtain a starter culture of micro worms from a reputable source.
2. Introduce Worms: Spread the starter culture evenly over the prepared substrate in the container.

Environment

1. Temperature: Maintain a temperature range between 20-25°C (68-77°F). Micro worms can tolerate a range of temperatures but thrive best in this range.
2. Humidity: Ensure the substrate remains consistently moist. If it dries out, the worms can die.

Feeding and Maintenance

1. Feeding: The substrate itself serves as the food source for the micro worms. Ensure it remains moist and replace it when it becomes exhausted or mouldy.
2. Moisture: Keep the culture moist by adding a little dechlorinated water if it starts to dry out.
3. Cleaning: Periodically check the culture for mould or spoilage. If mould appears, start a new culture with fresh substrate and some of the old culture as an inoculant.

Harvesting

1. Collection: To harvest micro worms, use a clean brush, a piece of plastic, or a small spatula to gently scrape them off the surface of the substrate.
2. Feeding: Feed the harvested worms directly to your fish fry or small aquatic organisms. You can use a pipette or a small spoon to transfer them.

Troubleshooting

1. Mould: If mould appears, remove the affected area immediately. If the mould is widespread, start a new culture with fresh substrate.
2. Contamination: Keep the culture container clean and avoid overfeeding to prevent contamination.

Tips for a Healthy Culture

1. Regular Renewal: Start a new culture every few weeks to ensure you always have a healthy supply of micro worms. This helps prevent the culture from becoming too acidic or depleted of nutrients.
2. Multiple Cultures: Maintain multiple cultures to ensure you always have a backup in case one fails.
3. Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation by making small holes in the lid. This prevents the buildup of harmful gases.

By following these steps, you can maintain a healthy and productive culture of micro worms, providing a continuous source of live food for your fish fry.