Description
Species Overview
Few live foods have earned the reputation of Live Blackworms (Lumbriculus variegatus). For decades, hobbyists, professional breeders, and public aquariums have relied on Live Blackworms as one of the most effective ways to condition fish for breeding, encourage reluctant feeders, and provide a highly nutritious food that closely resembles what many freshwater species consume in nature.
Unlike prepared foods that simply drift through the water column, Live Blackworms remain active, triggering natural hunting and foraging instincts in fish, amphibians, and other aquatic animals. Their movement often encourages shy, newly imported, or selective feeders to begin eating, making Live Blackworms an invaluable tool for both everyday aquarium care and specialized breeding projects.
At Aquatic Arts, we believe the quality of a live food is determined long before it reaches your aquarium. Our Live Blackworms are carefully maintained in clean, well-managed holding systems, inspected before packing, and shipped promptly to help ensure they arrive fresh, active, and ready to feed. Whether you’re caring for Bettas, Discus, Corydoras, Angelfish, Apistogramma, Puffers, Loaches, Axolotls, or countless other freshwater species, Live Blackworms are one of the finest natural foods you can offer.
What We Love About Live Blackworms
Premium Live Blackworms carefully maintained and packed by the Aquatic Arts Team.
One of the most trusted live foods for conditioning breeding fish and amphibians.
Encourages natural hunting and foraging behaviors.
Highly nutritious source of protein that supports healthy growth and vibrant coloration.
Frequently accepted by picky, stressed, or newly imported fish that refuse prepared foods.
Suitable for a wide variety of freshwater fish, amphibians, turtles, and aquatic invertebrates.
Ships fresh and ready to feed with proper care upon arrival.
Quick Care Guide
Scientific Name: Lumbriculus variegatus
Common Names: Live Blackworms, California Blackworms
Food Type: Live Freshwater Worm
Recommended For: Freshwater Fish, Axolotls, Aquatic Frogs, Newts, Freshwater Turtles, and Other Carnivorous or Omnivorous Aquatic Animals
Storage: Refrigerate Immediately Upon Arrival
Holding Temperature: 38°–50°F (3°–10°C)
Holding Method: Store in a shallow container with a thin layer of cool, dechlorinated water
Maintenance: Rinse daily with cool, dechlorinated water and remove any dead worms
Feeding Frequency: Offer as part of a varied diet or use as a conditioning food for breeding projects
Care Level: Easy with proper refrigeration and daily maintenance
The Aquatic Arts Perspective
Many hobbyists lose Live Blackworms because they are kept in deep containers of water without enough oxygen exchange. We’ve found that maintaining Blackworms in a shallow container with cool, clean water and rinsing them daily is one of the simplest ways to maximize freshness and extend their lifespan. A few minutes of daily maintenance can make a significant difference in how long your Blackworms remain healthy and active.
Blackworm orders will ship Tuesday – Thursday
