Intro:
When it comes to providing a well-rounded diet for your axolotl, worms are an excellent choice for our axie friends. However, you might have noticed that there are many different types of worms out there. So, which worm species are suitable for your axolotl? In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of worms that you can safely feed your axolotl along with answering commonly asked questions centered around these worms.
Quick Answer:
The general consensus from the axolotl community is that the common earthworm is the standard go-to, in ensuring a healthy diet for your axolotl. While, there are different types of earthworms, generally any of them will be fine.
What Kind Of Worms Can I Feed My Axolotl:
Bloodworms:
Bloodworms are a popular and readily available choice for axolotl owners. These small, red aquatic organisms are not actually worms but instead, are the larval worm of the midge fly! Normally bloodworms are fed to juvenile axolotls under six inches in length and are more of a treat than a staple diet for your axolotl. Typically, bloodworms can be purchased either frozen or live.
Blackworms:
Blackworms are another excellent option for juvenile axolotls. These thin, dark-colored worms come from shallow pools of water that feed on microorganisms and debris. They are packed with nutrients that young axolotls need. Once again, you can typically buy them frozen or live. As your axolotl matures you should switch off using blackworms to using earthworms.
Earthworms:
Typically an earthworm refers to terrestrial segmented worms. These worms are rich in protein and other essential nutrients that your axolotl needs to thrive. Earthworms can even be a cost-effective option if you make yourself a worm composting bin!
Depending on where you are sourcing your earthworms, you might run into a variety of different species of earthworms. The two most common earthworms you might encounter would be a species of Red Wiggler Worms or Nightcrawler Worms.
Red wigglers are smaller and not as girthy as a nightcrawler would be. They are great for smaller axolotls. However, something to note about these guys is they will secrete a bitter substance when being threatened. This might be a problem for some picky axolotls who don’t like their bitter taste.
A workaround for this is to blanch your worm before feeding them to your axolotl. This can be done by dipping the worm in the boiling water for about 3 seconds and then immediately putting it in the cold container before feeding.
Nightcrawlers are bigger and girthier than Red Wigglers. They make a great food source for adult axolotls due to their bigger size. They don’t secrete the bitter taste like their Red Wiggler cousins. However, if you think that Nightcrawlers might be too big for your axolotl, you can easily chop them up and feed them to your axie.
Commonly Related Question:
Can I Feed My Axolotl Dead Worms?
I personally would only feed my axolotl live worms or worms that I’ve known to have died recently. I wouldn’t want to risk my axolotl’s health by feeding a dead worm that’s been sitting out for days.
Can I Feed My Axolotl Worms I Find Outside?
In general, collecting worms from outside for your axolotl to consume wouldn’t be an issue. However, there is one major caveat that needs to be addressed first. Are the worms you collecting from in an area that might have pesticides in the soil? If so, I would advise against collecting worms from any areas that could have possible pesticides.
Can I Feed My Axoltol Mealworms?
Mealworms are typically fed to pets in the reptile industry. Typically, I would say that mealworms aren’t the best food for axolotls due to their tough exo-skeleton that might be hard for our soft body axolotls to digest. Another thing to note is that mealworms aren’t very nutritious without being dipped in vitamin supplements which would easily wash off in an aquarium.
Where Can I Buy Worms For My Axolotl?
- Pet stores: Visit local pet stores that specialize in aquatic pets or reptiles. Both Petco and Petsmart carry live worms.
- Online retailers: There are a multitude of places that deliver live worms. I’ve personally gotten my Red Wiggler worms from “Uncle Jim’s Worm Farm” from Amazon. Here’s a link to them if you are interested in checking them out! I’ve even set up a small composting bin with them so that my worms can last a little longer.
- Local Bait or Fish Shops: Check out your local bait shop. You might be able to get a great deal on them. Just make sure to ask them if they are safe for aquatic pets before you buy them.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right worms to feed your axolotl is essential for their overall health and nutrition. I’d personally stick with any species of earthworms as they all make excellent choices that provide essential proteins and nutrients for your axie companion. Remember to provide a diverse diet and offer a combination of live foods to stimulate and mimic their natural feeding behavior. By selecting the appropriate worms and feeding them in moderation, you can ensure a balanced and nourishing diet for your axolotl companion.
