


Rubbing against plants, ornaments, and the tank’s glass to dislodge the parasites.At the same time, females remain alive and search for another host to feed off.Īnchor worms are visible to the naked eye, so they’re relatively easy to diagnose. Once the reproduction process ends, male anchor worms die. You’ll commonly find them buried behind the angelfish’s pectoral or dorsal fin.Īccording to a study by Aquaculture, the lifecycle from anchor worm egg to adult took 13-14 days in temperatures between 71.5-77 F. Their heads enter the body, while the rear contains two egg sacs that remain exposed. That’s because they’re parasites that bury into a fish’s body, feeding off the blood and nutrients. Do Angelfish Eat Anchor Worms?Īnchor worms (Lernaea cyprinacea) aren’t the type of worm you’d want your angelfish to eat. Not only that, but they’re not a complete source of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, so they’re not suitable as a single source of nutrition.įeed angelfish bloodworms once or twice a week alongside a healthy diet of pellets, flakes, and vegetables. They’re also tricky for angelfish to digest, particularly the head. However, bloodworms should be considered a treat as too much can cause excessive weight gain and malnourishment. Without enough protein in the diet, angelfish are at risk of stunted growth and a range of other health problems. As described in a journal from the Department of Animal Biology, angelfish need protein to obtain amino acids to either synthesize new proteins or replace existing ones. This provides the mental stimulation that many angelfish lack in commercial tanks.īloodworms are rich in protein and iron. If you’re wondering, do angelfish like bloodworms? They make a tasty treat, and when fed live, they allow angelfish to hunt for their prey. They’re one of the most common and popular foods in the aquatic food chain, as all meat-eating fish consume them if given a chance. 7.4 Related Articles: Are Bloodworms Good For Angelfish?īloodworms are the larvae of non-biting mosquitoes.
