R
richard kagen
Guest
We have a porc. puffer who is only eating live glass shrimp which are a problem for us. He seems to love earthworms and do the rest of the fish in the tank, Anyone?
srfisher17
Active Member
That's one spoiled puffer; usually they'll eat anything. Stop the live food for a while and try some raw shrimp. Cut to size and use a feeding stick at first, if you need to. Several days without live food should have him eating anything.
ryancw01
Member
There are earthworms that live by saltwater that do end up being consumed by saltwater fish in nature. Typically close to mangroves. Now our classic american bait store earthworms are not the same, but I would have to imagine there is nothing dangerous about this as long as the earthworms are completely farm raised and free of any chemicals that would be in the dirt. Earthworms eat detritus so are they really so much different than shrimp?
srfisher17
Active Member
Originally Posted by Ryancw01
http:///forum/post/3260022
There are earthworms that live by saltwater that do end up being consumed by saltwater fish in nature. Typically close to mangroves. Now our classic american bait store earthworms are not the same, but I would have to imagine there is nothing dangerous about this as long as the earthworms are completely farm raised and free of any chemicals that would be in the dirt. Earthworms eat detritus so are they really so much different than shrimp?
With all the proven alternatives; why mess with an un-proven food that is not intended for SW fish? Just a hunch, but I'll bet that bait-type earthworms are quite fatty as well. (I never thought I'd discuss worms like this) I'd also be suspect of the foods that are fed to commercially grown worms-the only goal being fast growth for market. One last comment: At one time, I raised FW discus & angelfish to support my SW habit. My oldest daughter bought her first car raising them. Earthworms are great food for Angels and I remember a very successful, commercial breeder warning me against using the bait variety as food. I really don't remember why; but there was an angelfish virus wiping out entire hatcheries (causing the newborn fry to perish) and that may have been his concern.
http:///forum/post/3260022
There are earthworms that live by saltwater that do end up being consumed by saltwater fish in nature. Typically close to mangroves. Now our classic american bait store earthworms are not the same, but I would have to imagine there is nothing dangerous about this as long as the earthworms are completely farm raised and free of any chemicals that would be in the dirt. Earthworms eat detritus so are they really so much different than shrimp?
With all the proven alternatives; why mess with an un-proven food that is not intended for SW fish? Just a hunch, but I'll bet that bait-type earthworms are quite fatty as well. (I never thought I'd discuss worms like this) I'd also be suspect of the foods that are fed to commercially grown worms-the only goal being fast growth for market. One last comment: At one time, I raised FW discus & angelfish to support my SW habit. My oldest daughter bought her first car raising them. Earthworms are great food for Angels and I remember a very successful, commercial breeder warning me against using the bait variety as food. I really don't remember why; but there was an angelfish virus wiping out entire hatcheries (causing the newborn fry to perish) and that may have been his concern.