Axolotls have specific care needs that ensure they stay healthy and thrive. One of the most enjoyable aspects of caring for an axolotl is feeding them, and offering live food is not only enriching but also crucial for their overall well-being. Among the best live food options are blackworms, a nutritious and highly appealing treat for these water creatures. For some it is not only a treat but the best nutritious meal they will eat. We call it the caviar food. The best if the best

In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about feeding live blackworms to axolotls. From their nutritional benefits to how to store and prepare them, this guide will help you confidently introduce blackworms into your axolotl's diet.

Why Blackworms Are Great for Axolotls

Blackworms (Lumbriculus variegatus) are small, segmented worms that live in the muddy substrates of freshwater habitats. They are a common food choice for many aquatic species, and axolotls are no exception. Here are some reasons why blackworms make an excellent food option for axolotls:

1. Nutrient-Rich: Blackworms are packed with essential nutrients that contribute to your axolotl’s health. They provide high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and a range of vitamins and minerals. These nutrients support growth, energy, and overall vitality.
2. Promote Natural Hunting Behavior: As opportunistic feeders, axolotls love hunting live prey. Blackworms wriggle around in water, which encourages the axolotl to engage in their natural predatory behavior. This stimulation helps keep your axolotl mentally and physically active.
3. Palatable and Stimulating: The wriggling motion of live blackworms is irresistible to axolotls. They’ll often eagerly snap at the worms, making feeding time both exciting for your pet and engaging for you as a caregiver.

When it Makes Sense to Feed your Axolotl Live Blackworms

1. Hatchlings
2. Juvenile
3. Sick
4. Picky Eaters

How Many Live Blackworms Do I Need?

Newly hatched baby axolotls will eat a small pinch amount of finely chopped and rinsed blackworms. Juvenile Axolotls (2-4”) consume about 1/4 pound of live blackworms every couple weeks. Once your axolotl grows to be 4-7”, you can wean them off of the live blackworms as their main food source and can begin transitioning them to nightcrawlers cut into pieces small enough for them to consume or salmon sinking pellets.

How to Feed Blackworms to Your Axolotl

Feeding blackworms to axolotls is relatively simple, but it’s important to do it correctly to avoid any health problems. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to feed live blackworms to your axolotl:

1. Choose Quality Blackworms: Purchase live blackworms from a trusted source. This is critical.  At the Mottled Lotl, we feed our juvenile axolotls blackworms from [easternaquatics.com]. We have a coupon code (mottledlotl) for all of our customers to receive a 10% discount on your order. Avoid collecting blackworms from the wild as they could carry parasites or toxins that might harm your axolotl.
2. Rinse the Worms: Before feeding, rinse the blackworms under fresh water to remove any debris, dirt, or unwanted substances.
3. Feed in Moderation: Offer blackworms to your axolotl 2-3 times a week, depending on its age, size, and overall feeding schedule. Adult axolotls can be fed about 10-15 worms at a time, while younger or smaller axolotls might require fewer. Our younger Axolotls who use this as their main course, eat a nice amount, enough to still have some in with them the next day.
4. Feeding Time: Release the blackworms into the water. You can drop them directly in front or leave them in with them for them to hunt for them. You can pick your one feeding schedule, but remember you should offer food to Axolotls every day.
5. Remove Leftovers: If there are any blackworms left over after feeding in a tank, don't worry. Live blackworms are aquatic and don't foul their water. If they are tubbed, you can rinse and reuse uneaten worms.

How to Store Blackworms

Proper storage of blackworms is essential to ensure they remain healthy and viable for feeding. Eastern Aquatics has a care instructions video on their website that can be found here: https://easternaquatics.com/terms-and-conditions/

Benefits of Blackworms for Axolotls

Besides being a fun and interactive feeding experience, feeding blackworms to your axolotl comes with several long-term benefits:

1. Improved Growth and Health: Due to their high protein content, blackworms contribute to faster growth in juvenile axolotls. They also help adult axolotls maintain their strength and energy levels, improving their overall health.
2. Natural Behavior: The wriggling motion of live blackworms stimulates your axolotl's natural hunting instincts, helping to reduce stress and keep it mentally engaged. This behavior is important for their well-being and reduces the likelihood of boredom or depression.
3. Weight and Size Management: Axolotls that are fed a varied diet of live prey like blackworms tend to maintain healthy body weight and develop a good muscle mass, promoting better movement and overall mobility. Sick axolotls will sometimes refuse food. But unless they are too sick, they almost never refuse live blackworms

Conclusion

Feeding live blackworms to axolotls can provide them with a healthy, stimulating, and enriching diet. These worms offer a fantastic source of protein and nutrients that support growth and overall health. By offering them in moderation, storing them correctly, and observing your axolotl’s behavior during feeding, you’ll be able to ensure your pet stays happy and well-fed. So, whether you're new to keeping axolotls or a seasoned owner, introducing live blackworms into their diet is a great way to enhance their care routine while providing them with an enjoyable and nutritious food source.

By understanding the benefits and proper feeding practices, you can help your axolotl thrive and make every meal a rewarding experience!