Aquarium

Tubifex tubifex worms: Breeding, Reproduction, and Feeding

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By Milthon Lujan

Tubifex tubifex worms in Brede High Woods. Source: Patrick Roper.
Tubifex tubifex worms in Brede High Woods. Source: Patrick Roper.

Tubifex tubifex worms, also known as sludge worms or sewage worms, are fascinating creatures that thrive in some of the Earth’s most challenging environments. These small yet resilient organisms play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems, and their unique biology has sparked significant interest among aquarium enthusiasts and scientists alike.

In this article, we will explore what makes Tubifex tubifex worms so extraordinary. From their habitat and diet to their reproduction and life cycle, we’ll cover everything you need to know about these intriguing creatures. Along the way, we will also discuss their role in aquariums and how you can raise them to feed your fish.

What are Tubifex tubifex worms?

Tubifex tubifex worms are small, filament-like annelids commonly found in freshwater sediments rich in organic matter. Known for their remarkable tolerance to low oxygen levels and high pollution, these worms typically inhabit environments such as wastewater treatment plants and stagnant water bodies.

Taxonomic classification

  • Domain: Eukaryota
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Annelida
  • Clade: Pleistoannelida
  • Class: Clitellata
  • Order: Tubificida
  • Family: Naididae (formerly Tubificidae)
  • Subfamily: Tubificinae
  • Genus: Tubifex
  • Species: Tubifex tubifex
  • Common names (Spanish): Tubifex, gusano de fango, gusano de alcantarilla
  • Common names (English): Tubifex, sludge worm, sewage worm

Physical characteristics of Tubifex worms

Tubifex tubifex is a segmented aquatic worm with the following notable physical features:

  • Shape and Size: A thin, elongated worm resembling an earthworm, with a round cross-section. It can grow up to 20 cm in length.
  • Segmentation: The body consists of multiple segments, ranging from 34 to 120.
  • Color: Typically red due to the presence of hemoglobin, but can also be brown, black, or tan. Hemoglobin allows them to survive in oxygen-deficient environments.
  • Setae: Chitinous bristles (setae) are present on the sides of their bodies, used for burrowing. These setae appear as dorsal (upper) or ventral (lower) bundles. The dorsal setae may be hair-like or pectinate (comb-like), while the ventral setae are bifid (with two tips).
  • Absence of Structures: They lack legs, a head, or visible mouthparts. Eyes are also absent.
  • Reproductive Organs: They are hermaphrodites, with both male (testes) and female (ovaries) reproductive organs located on the ventral side of their bodies. In mature specimens, the clitellum, a band encircling some body segments, is clearly visible and related to reproduction.
  • Penial Sheaths: Tubifex worms are distinguished by their short, granular, tube-like penial sheaths.
  • Movement: They move by stretching and contracting their bodies, similar to earthworms. They can also wave their tails to absorb oxygen.

How long do Tubifex tubifex worms live?

Researchers such as Timm y Martin (2015) report that some T. tubifex individuals have reached an age of 10 or more years. They highlight that Tubifex tubifex worms can survive and reproduce in aquariums for many years, even at a consistently ambient temperature.

However, it is commonly accepted that the lifespan of Tubifex worms can range from 1 to 3 months, depending on environmental conditions. Factors influencing their survival include:

  • Availability of organic matter
  • Oxygen levels
  • Temperature stability

The habitat of Tubifex tubifex worms

Tubifex tubifex worms inhabit a variety of aquatic environments, with a preference for soft sediments rich in decomposing organic matter. They are commonly found in:

  • Lakes and Rivers: These worms live in the sediments at the bottom of these water bodies, favoring slow-moving or stagnant waters.
  • Estuaries: They can inhabit the upper parts of estuaries where salinity levels are low.
  • Sewer Systems: Tubifex worms are also found in sewer lines and outlets.

These worms are highly tolerant of low oxygen conditions. In fact, their bodies contain hemoglobin, a respiratory pigment that allows them to survive in oxygen-poor environments. They can also thrive in areas with high levels of organic pollution, where few other species can survive.

When large numbers of Tubifex tubifex worms are present in an area, they can cover extensive portions of the sediment floor, giving the mud a reddish tint. They sometimes attach themselves to plants and other submerged objects. Generally, the presence of Tubifex tubifex in an ecosystem can indicate an imbalance in the aquatic environment.

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In aquariums, establishing a colony of Tubifex worms can provide a renewable food source for fish while mimicking natural ecosystems.

Colony of Tubifex worms. Source: Thunderclap
Colony of Tubifex worms. Source: Thunderclap

Environmental importance of Tubifex worms

Beyond their role in aquariums, Tubifex worms play a vital role in natural ecosystems. Their environmental importance can be summarized as follows:

  • Nutrient Recycling: Tubifex tubifex worms feed on detritus, decaying organic matter, and bacteria. In doing so, they process and recycle nutrients in sediments, making them available for other organisms. Much like earthworms, Tubifex worms “remodel” sediments.
  • Indicators of Water Quality: The presence of large populations of Tubifex worms can indicate poor water quality, as they tolerate low oxygen levels and high organic pollution. Their abundance can signal an imbalance in the aquatic ecosystem. However, their presence does not always mean pollution; they are also found in marginal or oligotrophic habitats.
  • Food Source: Tubifex worms are an essential food source for small fish and other aquatic predators, acting as a crucial link in the food chain.
  • Tolerance to Extreme Conditions: Tubifex worms’ ability to survive in oxygen-depleted and highly polluted environments makes them key organisms in habitats where other species cannot thrive. Their hemoglobin allows them to live under such conditions.
  • Removal of Organic Matter: By feeding, Tubifex worms help remove accumulated organic matter and decomposing algae.
  • Potential for Bioaccumulation: Tubifex worms can ingest microplastics, posing a risk of trophic transfer and bioaccumulation of these contaminants within the aquatic food chain.

These characteristics make Tubifex tubifex worms invaluable in:

  • Wastewater Treatment Facilities
  • Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects: Yang et al., (2023) reported that T. tubifex can enhance the purification function of constructed wetlands.

How to feed Tubifex tubifex worms

Tubifex tubifex worms primarily feed on detritus, decaying organic matter, and bacteria found at the bottom of water bodies. Their diet includes:

  • Decaying Organic Matter: They consume dead leaves, plant and animal remains, and other organic materials accumulating in sediments.
  • Bacteria: They selectively ingest bacteria in the sediment, digesting and utilizing them as a food source.
  • Decomposing Algae: They can also consume decaying algae.

Importantly, through their feeding, Tubifex worms recycle nutrients, making them available to other organisms in the ecosystem. Additionally, they help remove the buildup of organic matter and decomposing algae.

While decomposing organic matter is their primary food source, studies have shown that Tubifex worms can also ingest microplastics (Hurley et al., 2017). This poses potential risks for the aquatic food chain due to the transfer and bioaccumulation of these pollutants.

Reproduction of Tubifex tubifex worms

Tubifex worms are hermaphroditic, meaning each individual possesses both male and female reproductive organs. However, they cannot self-fertilize because their male and female organs mature at different times. The reproduction process of Tubifex tubifex occurs as follows:

  • Copulation: Two mature worms mate by joining their ventral and anterior surfaces, with their anterior ends pointing in opposite directions. This positions the spermathecal opening of one worm near the male openings of the other.
  • Sperm exchange: During copulation, the penial setae of one worm penetrate the tissues of the other, keeping the worms attached. Sperm from one worm is transferred to the spermatheca of the other.
  • Cocoon formation: After copulation, the worms separate, and each begins producing a cocoon or egg case around its clitellum, a soft, box-like structure where eggs and sperm are deposited.
  • Cocoon detachment: The worm withdraws from the cocoon through backward contortions.
  • Development: Fertilized eggs develop within the cocoon until the offspring hatch, bypassing a separate larval stage. The incubation period is approximately two to three weeks.

The reproductive organs of Tubifex tubifex are small and located in the ventral body wall. In mature specimens, these organs can be clearly seen on the ventral side. The clitellum, a band encircling certain body segments, is a characteristic of mature worms and is associated with reproduction.

Use of Tubifex worms in aquariums

Aquarium enthusiasts often introduce Tubifex worms as live or freeze-dried food for their fish. These worms are a rich protein source and are particularly favored by carnivorous and omnivorous fish species.

Using Tubifex worms in aquariums has both advantages and disadvantages that should be considered.

Advantages of Using Tubifex Worms in Aquariums

Food source

Tubifex worms are a highly popular and nutritious food for aquarium fish, especially tropical and freshwater species. Alam et al., (2021) reported that feeding three ornamental fish species—koi carp (Cyprinus carpio), comet goldfish (Carassius auratus auratu), and goldfish (Carassius auratus)—a diet of 50% commercial feed and 50% Tubifex tubifex resulted in significantly greater growth and survival rates. Additionally, Nurjihan et al., (2024) recommended including 10% dried Tubifex in guppy (Poecilia reticulata) diets to enhance their coloration.

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High protein and nutritional content

Tubifex worms are rich in protein, which is beneficial for fish growth and health. Simangunsong et al., (2024) reported that these worms have a protein content (amino acids lysine, methionine, and tryptophan) of 50–60% of their dry weight. Breeders often use Tubifex tubifex to stimulate the reproduction of protein-demanding fish such as corydoras, discus, bettas, eels, catfish, gouramis, carp, guppies, angelfish, koi, and goldfish (Simangunsong et al., 2023).

Mandal et al., (2018) found that Tubifex tubifex harvested from rice mill sludge contained the highest amounts of protein (6.38%), crude lipids (3.02%), and ash (2.98%), followed by dairy sludge (protein 5.87%, crude lipids 1.29%, ash 2.58%), and raw cattle manure (protein 4.02%, crude lipids 0.85%, ash 2.43%).

Disadvantages of Using Tubifex Worms in Aquariums

Risk of parasites and bacteria

Live or even frozen Tubifex tubifex worms may harbor harmful parasites and bacteria that can affect fish health (Simangunsong et al., 2024). While freeze-drying reduces this risk, a small chance remains. Worms collected from sewage or open water bodies may transmit diseases.

Whirling disease risk

Tubifex tubifex worms may transmit whirling disease caused by the parasite Myxobolus cerebralis, particularly in salmonids (Chong, 2022). However, it is debated whether this parasite affects tropical fish or can survive in aquariums with temperatures above 20°C (Blazer et al., 2003).

Nutritional imbalance

Although rich in protein, Tubifex tubifex worms may lack certain essential amino acids. A diet exclusively based on these worms may lead to rapid growth but result in less healthy and colorful fish compared to those with more balanced diets.

Possible infestation

In poorly maintained aquariums, Tubifex worms can become pests, covering the tank bottom with an unsightly thick layer.

Ingestion of microplastics

Tubifex tubifex worms may ingest microplastics present in their aquatic environment, potentially posing a health risk to the fish that consume them.

Tubifex worms are a highly useful and beneficial food for aquarium fish, thanks to their high protein content, similarity to live food, and versatility. However, it is essential to be aware of potential disadvantages, such as the risk of parasites, nutritional imbalances, and their potential to become pests in poorly maintained aquariums.

It is crucial to acquire Tubifex tubifex worms from reliable sources and use them as part of a varied diet to ensure the health and well-being of fish. Caution should be taken when feeding these worms, and fish behavior should be monitored to avoid possible overfeeding.

Recommendations for ssing Tubifex worms in fish larvae rearing

Tubifex tubifex worms are one of the live feeds used in the larviculture of ornamental and aquaculture fish species. Simangunsong et al. (2024) provide the following recommendations for the use of Tubifex tubifex worms in fish larvae rearing:

Sterilization

Tubifex tubifex worms should be sterilized before being offered as feed to fish larvae. This can be achieved by using a saline solution or safe chemical solutions to reduce the risk of contamination from pathogens or harmful substances. This process ensures that larvae receive safe and high-quality feed.

Feeding Techniques

Feeding techniques should be tailored to the specific needs of each larval species, including the size and quantity of worms offered and how they are presented to ensure all larvae have adequate access to the feed. It is crucial that larvae receive complete and easily digestible nutrition.

Feeding Frequency

Feeding should be conducted 2–3 times a day to ensure consistent nutrition and avoid overfeeding, which can lead to water contamination. Monitoring larvae feeding behavior can help determine the optimal feeding frequency and quantity.

Quality Monitoring

It is important to monitor the quality of Tubifex tubifex worms, ensuring they are clean and free of contaminants and pathogens that may harm larval health. Periodic checks of protein, fat, vitamin, and mineral levels are essential to ensure optimal nutritional content.

How to culture Tubifex worms for fish

Tubifex tubifex worms can be cultured on a small or large scale, primarily for use as fish feed. Key points for their cultivation are:

Container Preparation

A container is required with a 50–75 mm layer of pond mud at the bottom, mixed with decomposed plant matter, bran, and bread. Alam et al. (2021) determined that a culture medium for Tubifex tubifex worms with the following composition: 10% mustard cake, 10% wheat bran, 10% soybean meal, 10% rice bran, 5% straw, 25% fish scales, stomach, and intestines, 20% cow manure, and 10% fish pond sludge, produces the highest biomass of Tubifex worms. It is reported that 1.83 kg of medium is required to produce 1 kg of tubificid worms.

Water Temperature

Oplinger et al., (2011) reported that Tubifex worms can be cultured at water temperatures between 12°C and 27°C; however, recruitment decreases at temperatures above 21°C.

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Water Flow

A continuous and gentle water flow should be maintained in the container, along with an adequate drainage system. Prakash et al., (2024) developed a recirculating system for Tubifex tubifex worm cultivation, achieving higher production compared to continuous flow systems.

Inoculation

Once the system is prepared, Tubifex tubifex worms obtained from nearby sludge canals or wastewater sources should be introduced. Oplinger et al. (2011) recommends an initial density of 2,675 adults/m².

Development

In approximately 15 days, worm colonies will develop and can be harvested with the sludge.

Harvesting

When the worms rise to the surface due to oxygen deficiency, they can be collected and washed with water to remove attached sludge. Patekar et al., (2022) reports two harvesting methods:

  • Method I: Carefully collect the substrate in a transparent container and add water until it covers the substrate by 2 cm. Keep the container in a dark place or covered. After 24 hours, the worms will group at the top due to oxygen deficiency. The worms are collected and placed under running water to remove residues.
  • Method II: Collect the substrate in a mesh net and place it under a continuous water flow for 15–20 minutes. The worms group together and are transferred to a glass container, where they are kept under running water for 3–4 hours to remove residues and evacuate intestinal contents.

It is important to remember that although they are a valuable feed for fish, precautions should be taken to prevent disease transmission and ensure a balanced diet.

Tubifex Worms vs. Bloodworms

Both Tubifex worms and bloodworms (chironomid larvae) are aquatic invertebrates used as fish feed but belong to different taxonomic groups and have distinct characteristics.

Comparative Table: Tubifex Worms vs. Bloodworms (Chironomid Larvae).

AspectWorms Tubifex tubifexBloodworms (Chironomid Larvae)
HabitatInhabit wastewater drains, forming reddish carpets in the mud.Live in water with decomposing organic matter; larvae swim vertically in the water.
MorphologyLong and slender, with no defined head; they have a clitellum and prostomium.Segmented body with free head; juveniles are red, and adults are dark; length of 1 to 1.5 cm.
FeedingDecomposing organic matter, detritus, and plant material.Algae, detritus, and decomposing plant organic matter.
ReproductionHermaphroditic; cross-fertilization; develop cocoons containing eggs.Complete metamorphosis: egg → larva → adult fly.
Culture MethodMud bed with decomposing matter, bran, and bread; flowing water and proper drainage.Containers with water and composted manure to attract flies for egg-laying; larvae are harvested with a net.
UsesLive food for fish; easy to collect under low oxygen conditions.Live food for fish; easy to collect in prepared tanks or containers.
Distinctive ColoringReddish color due to hemoglobin present in their bodies.Red in young stages, dark as they mature.
ParticularitiesHide in the mud when disturbed.Form soft organic matter tubes in their early life stages.

Conclusion

Tubifex tubifex worms are extraordinary organisms that serve multiple functions in nature and aquariums. Whether you are fascinated by their survival tactics in polluted environments or their nutritional benefits for fish, these worms demonstrate their value in countless ways.

By understanding their habitat, diet, and life cycle, both aquarists and researchers can better appreciate the ecological importance of these small but powerful creatures. So, the next time you see these worms wriggling through the sediments, remember their unique contributions to the environment and aquatic life!

References

Alam, M. A., KHAN, M. A., Sarower-E-Mahfuj, M. D., ARA, Y., PARVEZ, I., & AMIN, M. N. (2021). A model for tubificid worm (Tubifex tubifex) production and its effect on growth of three selected ornamental fish. Bangladesh Journal of Fisheries, 33(2), 205-214.

Blazer, V. S., Waldrop, T. B., Schill, W. B., Densmore, C. L., & Smith, D. (2003). Effects of water temperature and substrate type on spore production and release in eastern Tubifex tubifex worms infected with Myxobolus cerebralis. Journal of Parasitology, 89(1), 21-26.

Chong, R. S. M. (2022). Whirling disease. Aquaculture Pathophysiology, 611-617. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-812211-2.00049-4

Hurley, R. R., Woodward, J. C., & Rothwell, J. J. (2017). Ingestion of microplastics by freshwater tubifex worms. Environmental science & technology, 51(21), 12844-12851.

Mandal, R.N., Kar, S., Chakrabarti, P.P., Chattopadhyay, D.N., Paul, B.N., Adhikari, S., Maity, J., & Pillai, B.R. (2018). Production of tubifex – a new dimension of aquaculture in feeding juvenile fish. Aquaculture Asia Magazine.

Nurjihan, H. I., Soedibya, P. H. T., Fitriadi, R., & Esa, Y. (2024). The Effect of Additional Dried Tubifex sp. in Commercial Feed Against Color Intensity of Guppy (Poecilia reticulata). Journal of Aquaculture & Fish Health, 13(2).

Oplinger, R. W., Bartley, M., & Wagner, E. J. (2011). Culture of Tubifex tubifex: Effect of Feed Type, Ration, Temperature, and Density on Juvenile Recruitment, Production, and Adult Survival. North American Journal of Aquaculture, 73(1), 68–75. https://doi.org/10.1080/15222055.2010.549028

Patekar, P. G., Marbaniang, B. J., Halpati, R. P., Satheesh, M., Kumar, S., & Munilkumar, S. (2022). Backyard Culture of Tubifex worm: A Promising Live Food in Fish Farming Systems. Aqua Star Magazine. Pp: 79-85.

Prakash, P., Munilkumar, S., Narsale, S. A., Marbaniang, B. J., Devi, G., Kadam, R., Malik, M. A., Sheikh, S., Mohanta, K., Baidya, S., Debbarma, S., & Singh, S. K. (2024). An improved recirculatory system model for culture of sludge worm: A cleaner innovative choice. Environmental Technology & Innovation, 36, 103889. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eti.2024.103889

Simangunsong, T., Anjaini, J., Situmorang, N., & Liu, C. (2023). THE LATEST APPLICATION OF TUBIFEX AS LIVE FEED IN AQUACULTURE. Journal of Environmental Engineering and Sustainable Technology, 10(02), 112-121. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.21776/ub.jeest.2023.010.02.8

Simangunsong, T., Anjaini, J., Soedibya, P. H. T., & Liu, C. H. (2024). UTILIZATION OF TUBIFEX WORMS AS NATURAL FEED FOR GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF FISH LARVAE. Journal of Environmental Engineering and Sustainable Technology, 11(01), 33-43.

Timm, T., & Martin, P. J. (2015). Clitellata: Oligochaeta. Thorp and Covich’s Freshwater Invertebrates (Fourth Edition), 529-549. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-385026-3.00021-8

Yang, J., Zhang, M., Chen, C., Zhao, D., Chen, Y., & An, S. (2023). Effect of Tubifex tubifex on the purification function of saturated vertical flow constructed wetlands for effluents with varying C/N ratios. Chemosphere, 340, 139872. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139872