Live Enchytraeids (Enchytraeus albidus): nutritious white worms for adult fish
Live food that's simple... and highly palatable
enchytraeids are large white worms (relatives of Grindal worms, but bigger), perfect for adult fish: a few enchytraeids are often enough to satisfy a Betta or guppy. Easy to raise at cool temperatures, their wriggling movement triggers predatory instincts, and they have an excellent nutritional profile.
Why choose enchytraeids?
- A suitable size for adult fish (larger than Grindal worms).
- Easy, productive culture at cool temperatures. The ZollaBox Fish L makes it easy to start a small culture at home.
- Highly palatable live food, rich in protein.
- An alternative to commercial foods and an ideal supplement to daphnia.
- A long-lasting culture with minimal maintenance.
Use in natural fishkeeping
- Feeding: 2 to 3 times a week in small amounts (it takes very little to satisfy a Betta!).
- Conditioning breeders: excellent food for triggering spawning.
- Regular, nutritious live food that fish love.
- Method: collect the worms from the breeding soil, rinse if needed, then feed immediately.
- Consider the ZollaBox Fish L, which contains everything you need to raise enchytraeids, including step-by-step instructions.
Possible uses
- Community tanks: adult fish (bettas, livebearers, dwarf cichlids...).
- Breeding tanks: alternate with daphnia and Grindal worms to trigger spawning and reproduction.
- Natural fishkeeping: an excellent replacement for commercial foods.
FAQ - Enchytraeus albidus
Is it too fatty?
No, this is a common misconception due to their white color. In reality, they are high in protein and moderately low in fat. Use them as a natural supplement or regular live food.
What's the difference from Grindals?
Grindals are smaller (perfect for juveniles or small fish); enchytraeids are larger and are intended exclusively for adult fish.
Is raising L difficult?
No, if you have a slightly cool place. The ZollaBox Fish L contains everything you need to start raising enchytraeids.
Where should you keep the culture?
In a cool (ideally 15 to 16 °C), clean, well-ventilated place (cellar, garage, cool room). Some people use their wine cellar!
How long does a starter culture last?
A very long time if you feed moderately and duplicate the culture at regular intervals.
How do you feed enchytraeids?
Special food for enchytraeids is available in the refills for the ZollaBox Fish L.
How often should you feed them?
2 to 3 times a week or more, in small portions to ensure that all the worms are eaten, even though enchytraeids survive in water for quite a long time.
Additional information
- Scientific name: Enchytraeus albidus
- Size: 2 to 3 cm long and about 1 mm thick.
- Use: live food for adult fish
- Tip: vary and alternate with daphnia, Grindal worm, ostracods, and other natural foods.
- Packaging: live starter culture for starting a colony. The worms travel with their original substrate, which also contains eggs but, above all, their complete microbiome. Use the entire dose (live worms AND substrate) to start your colony (approximate weight: 13 g)
- Guarantee: our enchytraeids are a species that is completely harmless to humans. We cultivate them in a natural, untreated medium (untreated potting soil and vermiculite). Harvested the morning they are shipped.
