Tubifex as fish food - research review and knowledge in a nutshell

Sometimes seemingly insignificant things turn out to be incredibly fascinating—such as the case of the Tubifex worm. On one hand, it is just a small, red worm sold in stores as fish food. On the other hand, these tiny creatures form one of the pillars of global aquaculture.

What is Tubifex?

Tubifex, known in Polish as "Rurecznik mułowy," is a tiny, segmented worm, usually reddish-brown in color. Tubifex is found worldwide in freshwater environments, living in the muddy bottoms of ponds, lakes, and even slow-moving streams. One factor that allows it to survive in these sometimes harsh conditions is its blood, which contains hemoglobin, similar to human blood. This enables Tubifex to inhabit oxygen-deprived environments, efficiently binding and transporting oxygen.

Tubifex has been used as fish food long before the scientific basis of this practice was understood. As early as the 19th century, it was observed that fish fed with Tubifex thrived. Modern studies have confirmed what breeders have long known: Tubifex is packed with nutrients, especially valuable for the growth of juvenile fish.

Benefits of Tubifex as Fish Food

What makes Tubifex such an excellent food source for fish? One key factor is its high protein content, comprising up to 50–60% of its dry mass. This high-quality protein is accompanied by essential amino acids and fatty acids, critical for the healthy growth and development of young fish.

Tubifex also serves as a natural source of nutrients for adult fish, enhancing their coloration and overall health. A well-balanced diet that includes Tubifex not only keeps fish alive but also provides the nutrients necessary for strong immunity and vibrant appearance.

Another advantage of Tubifex is its size and texture. Its small size makes it easy for even smaller fish to consume, and its soft body is easy to digest.

For Which Fish is Tubifex Suitable?

Tubifex is a valuable food source not only in industrial fish farming but also in home aquariums. Ornamental fish, particularly those from the carp family, such as goldfish and koi, benefit greatly from adding Tubifex to their diet.

Examples of fish that can benefit from Tubifex:

• Brachygobius doriae - Golden Goby
• Dario dario - Bengal Badis
• Syncrossus berdmorei - Green Tiger Loach
• Syncrossus helodes - Tiger Loach
• Gymnocorymbus ternetzi - Black Tetra
• Celestichthys erythromicron - Emerald Dwarf Rasbora
• Heterandria formosa - Least Killifish
• Neoheterandria elegans - Elegant Killifish
• Epalzeorhynchos bicolor - Red Tail Shark
• Poecilia reticulata - Guppy, Fancy Guppy
• Epalzeorhynchos frenatum - Rainbow Shark
• Microdevario kubotai - Kubotai Rasbora
• Julidochromis regani - Regan’s Julidochromis
• Danio margaritatus - Celestial Pearl Danio
• Dimidiochromis compressiceps - Malawi Eye-Biter
• Iodotropheus sprengerae - Rusty Cichlid
• Pseudotropheus saulosi - Saulosi Cichlid
• Maylandia estherae - Red Zebra Cichlid
• Pterophyllum scalare - Angelfish
• Pterophyllum altum - Altum Angelfish, High Fin Angelfish
• Neolamprologus leleupi - Lemon Cichlid
• Gymnocorymbus ternetzi - Black Skirt Tetra
• Hypancistrus zebra - Zebra Pleco

How is Tubifex Cultivated?

Traditionally, Tubifex was harvested from mud, and in some places, this method is still used. However, as demand has grown, new collection and farming methods have been developed. These changes have brought challenges but also opportunities, particularly in sustainable development and ensuring the safety and quality of Tubifex as fish food.

Tubifex farming begins with creating the right environment, typically a substrate made of mud rich in organic matter. Increasingly, eco-friendly solutions are employed, such as using dairy sludge or rice mill waste to provide an organic feed source for aquaculture while repurposing organic waste.

Is Tubifex Safe for Fish?

Before Tubifex is sold, it must be ensured that it is safe for fish. Common methods include thoroughly rinsing the worms in a saline solution to eliminate bacteria and parasites. Another method involves briefly using a weak iodine solution. Regardless of the method, Tubifex sold as fish food is generally clean and free of parasites.

Does Tubifex Have Any Disadvantages?

One potential drawback of Tubifex is variability in its nutritional value, depending on farming methods and the types of organic waste used. Research is ongoing to optimize farming techniques and develop standardized protocols. The goal is to ensure that Tubifex meets the specific nutritional needs of various fish species. Producing Tubifex isn't just about quantity; it's about providing the highest quality food.

References

• Simangunsong, T., Anjaini, J., Situmorang, N., & Liu, C. H. (2023). The Latest Application of Tubifex as Live Feed in Aquaculture.
• 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.
• Mandall, R. N., Kar, S., Chakrabarti, P. P., Chattopadhyay, D. N., Paul, B. N., Adhikari, S., Maity, J., & Pillai, B. R. Production of Tubifex - A New Dimension of Aquaculture in Feeding Juvenile Fish.
• Alam, M. A., Khan, M. A., Sarower-E-Mahfuj, M., 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.