Can Frozen Bloodworms Expire?

[TylerFerretLord]

I was feeding my fish some frozen bloodworms just a few minutes ago, but a few of the worms seemed to be 'off'. They were brown and overly soft, almost pastey.

I'm just worried because I know they're red from the large amount of hemoglobin in them, which is why they're called bloodworms, and these bad worms were the same color as a scab. Not to mention that the package was a few months old.

Anything to worry about? I just picked out the good ones.

PS: Would you advise getting frozen brineshrimp or daphnia? I'm trying to vary their diet a bit.

 

[invader]

Sometimes the brown ones are in mine too and I haven't had any problems, yet. I would recommend buying the other foods, as well, since a little variety wouldn't hurt!

 

[Inchworm]

Hi TylerFerretLord

I could be that they got defrosted, at some point, and later refrozen. Or, they might be that way from what they call "freezer burn." Either way, don't take a chance; just toss it.

If you are in doubt about any food, whether for yourself or your fish, it's better to be safe than sorry.

As for alternative foods, you might try live blackworms. Most independent lfs carry them and so does Petland Discounts. Since they are alive, there is a way to care for them, and if you need instructions, just ask.

 

[TylerFerretLord]

Hi TylerFerretLord

I could be that they got defrosted, at some point, and later refrozen. Or, they might be that way from what they call "freezer burn." Either way, don't take a chance; just toss it.

If you are in doubt about any food, whether for yourself or your fish, it's better to be safe than sorry.

As for alternative foods, you might try live blackworms. Most independent lfs carry them and so does Petland Discounts. Since they are alive, there is a way to care for them, and if you need instructions, just ask.

They were a bit burnt. Thanks, I'll toss them. It's not like it would be a loss of money, my lfs gave them to me for free.

I'll try the live, but I'm still getting frozen. Could you go ahead and post how to care for them?

 

[Inchworm]

Hi TylerFerretLord

The first most important thing is to get good healthy ones from the lfs. If you can find out which day they arrive in the store, and get them soon after that, you will be able to keep them alive longer than if you get them later in the week. If you can see them before you buy, make sure there are no dead (white) ones in the batch and that the water they are kept in is clean and not cloudy.

Buy just a small amount at a time. One "portion," will be plenty for the number of fish you have.

When you get them home, pour them into a cup or other utensil and give them a good, but gentle rinse in cold running water. Empty the water and refill, giving them a stir to separate the clumps of them, as many times as necessary until the water is absolutely clear. Every day you will want to repeat this rinse, but once they are clean, they will take less time and effort to maintain them.

Store them in a container, with just enough water to cover them 1/4" or so, in the refrigerator. As long as they remain alive and the water will run clear after you rinse them, they are excellent food for your fish.

If you go to Petland Discounts, you will have a choice between live blackworms and tubifex worms. Both are nutritious, but most people seem to think the blackworms are safer. Blackworms are longer and somewhat straight, while the tubifex tend to be kinky and a little more red in appearance. Care for them both in the same way.

Blackworms:

Your fish will love their live worms!

 

[dizzied]

Didn't know Petland sells blackworms, thanks for the tips. Would save me from having to go into the city to get live food.