Hey there, fellow shrimp keepers! I’ve been raising cherry shrimp for years now, and one question I get asked all the time is whether these little creatures can eat bloodworms. Let me cut straight to the chase – yes, shrimp absolutely do eat bloodworms! But there’s a lot more you need to know about feeding these tasty treats to your aquatic friends.
Quick Answer
Shrimp not only eat bloodworms but actually love them as an occasional protein-rich treat However, they should only be fed 1-2 times per week as part of a varied diet to avoid potential health issues.
Benefits of Feeding Bloodworms to Shrimp
I’ve noticed several positive effects when including bloodworms in my shrimps’ diet:
-
High Protein Content Bloodworms are packed with over 80% protein helping with
- Growth and development
- Shell formation during molting
- Improved breeding rates
-
Natural Foraging Behavior:
- Encourages active hunting
- Keeps shrimp more engaged
- Stimulates their natural instincts
-
Color Enhancement:
- Helps develop brighter colors
- Particularly beneficial for Cherry Red Shrimp
- Contains natural pigments that boost coloration
Best Practices for Feeding Bloodworms
Look I’ve made my share of mistakes when first starting out. Here’s what I’ve learned about feeding bloodworms properly
Feeding Schedule
- Feed only 3-4 medium worms per shrimp
- Limit to 1-2 times per week
- Best fed during evening hours
- Remove uneaten portions after 2-3 hours
Types of Bloodworms
-
Frozen Bloodworms
- Must be thawed before feeding
- Easier to store long-term
- More readily available
-
Live Bloodworms
- More nutritious option
- Better for triggering natural hunting
- Harder to store and maintain
Potential Risks and How to Avoid Them
While bloodworms are generally safe, there are some things to watch out for:
Common Issues:
-
Overfeeding Problems
- Can cause ammonia spikes
- May lead to water quality issues
- Might stress your shrimp
-
Size Concerns
- Large worms might be too big for smaller shrimp
- Consider cutting worms into smaller pieces
- Watch for any feeding difficulties
Creating a Balanced Diet
Ya know, bloodworms shouldn’t be your shrimps’ only food. Here’s what I recommend for a well-rounded diet:
Daily Diet Components:
- Regular shrimp pellets
- Algae wafers
- Blanched vegetables
- Occasional bloodworm treats
- Mineral supplements
Signs Your Shrimp Like Bloodworms
How can you tell if your shrimp are diggin’ the bloodworms? Watch for these behaviors:
- Immediate gathering when food is added
- Active hunting movements
- Increased activity levels
- Visible excitement during feeding time
- Quick consumption of the worms
Tips for Storing Bloodworms
Keep these storage tips in mind to maintain freshness:
Frozen Bloodworms:
- Keep in airtight containers
- Store in freezer
- Use within 6 months
- Thaw only what you need
Live Bloodworms:
- Keep refrigerated
- Use within a few days
- Store in original packaging
- Check daily for dead worms
Common Questions I Get Asked
How do I start feeding bloodworms to my shrimp?
Start small! Begin with just a few worms and observe how your shrimp react. Gradually increase the amount if they show interest.
Can baby shrimp eat bloodworms?
Yep, but make sure to crush or cut the worms into tiny pieces for the little ones.
Do bloodworms help with breeding?
In my experience, yes! The extra protein can stimulate breeding behavior and help females produce healthier eggs.
My Personal Experience
I’ve been keeping shrimp for years now, and I gotta tell ya, bloodworms have been a game-changer for my colony. When I first started using them, I was amazed at how quickly my cherry shrimp colored up. Just remember to keep it moderate – these treats are like candy for shrimp!
Final Thoughts
Bloodworms can be an awesome addition to your shrimps’ diet when used correctly. Just remember:
- Keep it as a treat, not a staple
- Monitor water quality
- Watch your shrimps’ reaction
- Store properly
- Use appropriate portions
Remember, every shrimp tank is different, so what works for me might need some tweaking for your setup. Start slow, observe your shrimp, and adjust accordingly. Happy shrimp keeping!
Bloodworms Are a Good Source of Protein
Though bloodworms are considered a light snack, they’re still a good source of protein for your Cherry Red shrimp. Think of them as beef jerky for shrimp: human bodybuilders might eat beef jerky every once in a while for the added protein, but they won’t eat it every day due to the salt content.
The more protein you give your shrimp, the more they’ll grow and bulk up. If you’re tight on space and don’t want your shrimp growing and breeding too quickly, keep this in mind.
You Can Give Bloodworms to Cherry Red Shrimp As Treats
“Bloodworm” is an umbrella term for many different types of worms. In the fishkeeping world, the term refers to the two types of worms popularly used to feed fish:
- Glycera worms (usually found in the ocean)
- Red larvae (from midge flies)
The worms most commonly sold to feed fish are midge fly larvae that technically aren’t even worms. They’re likely more popular than the Glycera genus because the Glycera genus will bite. The bite of a Glycera is so awful that it can cause a strong reaction in humans, similar to the swelling from bee stings!
With that said, if you choose to feed your shrimp live Glycera, always wear gloves. No wonder shrimp enthusiasts prefer frozen Glycera!
You can buy these worms live, frozen, or freeze-dried. Shrimp enthusiasts typically feed their shrimp frozen bloodworms. Freeze-dried bloodworms are so light that they’ll float to the top of the water, where the shrimp can’t even reach them.
When feeding your shrimp frozen bloodworms, note the following:
- Allow the bloodworms to thaw. Shrimp are not used to eating cold food. Doing so could put their fragile bodies into shock and even kill them.
- Cut the bloodworms in half while they’re still frozen. You want to make the worms easily distributable among your shrimp.