Lumbriculus variegatus

From The Aquarium Wiki

[edit] Description

Black worms (often called California Blackworms®) or Lumbriculus variegatus are small worms that should only be fed when live and can be kept in the fridge to make them keep longer.

In cultured conditions grows up to 1-1.5" (2.5-3.8cm) in length.

[edit] Acceptability

All aquatic animals (fish, frogs, etc.) seem to like this food. It is very readily taken.

[edit] Availability

Black worms are available by mail order directly from Aquatic Foods, in USA aquarium stores, or from other USA fish keepers. It doesn't appear to be available outside the USA.

[edit] Live form

Available as live food.
Some aquarists wash this food with tap water using a fine tea strainer, coffee filter, or special "worm keeper".

Rinse daily to keep the culture from going bad and harming your fish.

Do not feed dead worms to your fish!

[edit] Frozen form

Do not freeze.

[edit] Special Notes

True black worms somewhat resemble tubifex worms but is generally healthier to feed to aquarium fish.
Sometimes black worm cultures may have Hirudo sp. (leeches). These are most likely harmless to your fish and are just feeding on the black worms but you can remove them from your culture if they bother you.
As with giving your animals any live food, there is the risk of adding parasites and dieases to your tank.