Vinegar eels (Turbatrix aceti): Ideal live food for fry
What are Vinegar eels?
Vinegar eels are tiny nematodes that live in an acidic environment (a mixture of water and vinegar) and feed on bacteria. They do not reproduce in aquariums, but survive there very well. They are therefore perfect live food for very small fry: nearly as fine as infusoria and finer than brine shrimp nauplii, they easily fit into the smallest mouths.
Why use Vinegar eels in natural aquariums?
- Freshwater-dwelling prey: unlike brine shrimp nauplii, they are not salty and survive indefinitely in freshwater among the fry.
- Rich live food: as rich in protein as micro worms but microscopic, they are an excellent staple food for growing fry.
- Attractive swimming: fry are attracted to small, moving prey. Vinegar eels swim with vigorous undulating movements, which is highly stimulating for fry constantly searching for food.
- Surviving indefinitely in freshwater, they can be given in large quantities so that the fry can eat throughout the day. No need to feed them several times.
- Ultra-easy culture: apple cider vinegar diluted with water, a few pieces of apple, and a little time!
Who are vinegar eels intended for?
- Fry of all species, both livebearers and egg-layers, from the moment they hatch.
- They replace brine shrimp nauplii, with the advantage that they live and swim in freshwater.
- Consider our ready-to-use vinegar eels, ideal for feeding fry immediately, without waiting for an established culture.
Setup tips
- Prepare a mixture of unpasteurized apple cider vinegar and dechlorinated water.
- Pour this mixture into a container of at least 500 ml.
- Immerse pieces of apple in the mixture.
- Pour the starter culture into it, then close the jar loosely (air must be able to pass through): untightened lid, stretched tulle...
- Let the vinegar eels multiply, which can take several weeks or even a few months.
FAQ - Vinegar eels (Turbatrix aceti)
Can I pour the culture directly into the tank?
No. The vinegar eels must first be separated. The cotton method is widespread, but time-consuming. Aquazolla offers ready-to-use doses if you wish.
How long does a culture last before it needs to be restarted?
Months, or even years.
How often should fry be fed?
The advantage of these worms is that they remain alive and active in the water as long as they are not eaten. They can therefore be fed every morning, and replenished only when there are no longer enough.
Do they replace infusoria?
Yes, they are longer, but very thin. The smallest fry can feed on them. They can even replace brine shrimp nauplii, since livebearer fry can be raised with vinegar eels, then micro worms, without using brine shrimp nauplii.
Do they need heating?
No. A cool, dark room is sufficient: cellar, garage, basement. Otherwise, the ambient temperature in a house is fine.
Do vinegar eels reproduce in the aquarium?
No. They survive perfectly well in water, but cannot reproduce in it.
Additional information
- Scientific name: Turbatrix aceti
- Size: up to 1 mm long, only a few microns thick
- Packaging: a 15 ml live starter culture for starting a culture: several hundred individuals in their nutrient-rich liquid with microbiota.
- Guarantee: our vinegar eels are a species that is completely harmless to humans. We cultivate them in an untreated, natural medium. Harvested the very morning of shipment.
