Key Points and Methods of Bloodworm Culture Technology Explained
Bloodworms are chironomid larvae, widely distributed in all kinds of water bodies, and their biomass often accounts for 50%-90% of the total benthic animals in waters. They are excellent natural bait for many economically important aquatic animals such as carp, crucian carp, mud carp, sturgeon, black carp, swamp eel, loach, river crab, soft-shelled turtle, and turtle. Below, the editor will introduce the culture methods of bloodworms!
Bloodworm Collection Methods
Bloodworms like to live in slow-flowing, nutrient-rich water, generally at a depth of about 0.5 m. Every year in late spring and early autumn is the season when bloodworms reproduce in large numbers; they float on the water surface, often turning it brownish red, making them easy to spot. In southern China, bloodworms can be collected year-round, and they are even easier to collect in spring and autumn.
1. Before collection
Prepare a collection net. The handle should be long, preferably 3-4 m; the opening should be small, preferably 20-30 cm; and the net depth is best at 50-60 cm. Also cover the net opening with a layer of green plastic gauze, with mesh just small enough that bloodworms can pass through. In this way, during collection, aquatic plants and other debris can be prevented from entering the net.
2. Collection method
First choose a suitable collection site. When bloodworms are found, use the collection net to slowly and repeatedly sweep and catch them at the water surface. After repeating this several times, a large number of bloodworms can be caught and transferred into a plastic bucket or plastic food bag containing a small amount of water.
After collecting bloodworms from a river, they should be placed in a relatively large glass tank. Some water and green algae brought back from the river, such as Spirogyra, should be put in the tank to increase the oxygen in the water. Some minced meat made from earthworms, locusts, or other animals should also be added as feed for the bloodworms. When the number of bloodworms increases, they should be harvested promptly and dried in the sun. By late autumn and winter, the reproductive capacity of water fleas is greatly reduced.
In winter, when no water fleas can be seen moving in the tank, do not pour out the water in the tank, because at this time they are all hiding among the green algae. We can place the tank in a sunny room or near a radiator. In spring, when the indoor temperature rises, the bloodworms come out and become active again. When the room temperature rises above 28°C, the bloodworms begin to reproduce in large numbers.
Bloodworm Culture Methods
1. Bloodworms like to live in slow-flowing, nutrient-rich water. Every year in late spring and early autumn is the season when bloodworms reproduce in large numbers. They float on the water surface, often turning it brownish red. This is an excellent opportunity for us to collect bloodworms.
2. When raising a small number of bloodworms at home, pond sludge can be taken back together with the bloodworms and placed in a basin or glass container. It is best to soak them in river water. If tap water is used for culture, the tap water should first be left in the sun for 2 to 3 days to remove bleaching powder and other substances. Change the water every other day. In winter, prevent freezing, and place a moist red cloth strip over the container to keep it damp.
3. It is best to use a container with a relatively large surface area exposed to air, because bloodworms will float to the water surface and make movements similar to breathing, so if there are too many, some may fail to get a spot and die.
4. A light source is essential for raising bloodworms. It cannot be turned off at night either; at night, a small light source can be used (such as a 5W night light, etc.) to shine on them. This is because bloodworms are lazy about breathing, and if there is no light source, they are likely to die the next day.
5. There are specialized farms, and most of them use rice bran, sawdust, banana peels, sugarcane bagasse, silt, pigeon manure, and so on, fermented to make culture feed. For household bloodworm culture, yeast powder soaked in water can be used for feeding, but the amount must be controlled.
6. When the number of bloodworms increases, they should be harvested promptly and dried in the sun. By late autumn and winter, the reproductive capacity of bloodworms is greatly reduced. In winter, when no bloodworms can be seen moving in the tank, do not pour out the water in the tank, because at this time they are all hiding among the green algae. We can place the tank in a sunny room or near a radiator. In spring, when the indoor temperature rises, the bloodworms come out and become active again. When the room temperature rises above 28°C, the bloodworms begin to reproduce in large numbers.