Re: [Killietalk] Shipping Blackworms

[LeeH920226 at aol_com]

There are several things to consider. First, is this shipment of blackworms 
meant to feed some fish? If not, is it to start a culture? If to start a 
culture, it might be feasible to ship a few worms in several bags with just enough 
water to keep them wet and also with cooler packs. If it is meant to supply 
food -- forget it. Maybe they could be shipped in moist peat moss. I have seen 
them survive for a few days in moist peat moss that I have gathered for 
killifish eggs. Or maybe they lay eggs and they could be harvested and shipped. I 
found this in a quick Google search.

Although never documented, sexual reproduction in mature worms probably 
involves copulation and sperm exchange, as seen in many earthworms.   Then, worms 
produce transparent cocoons, each containing 4-11 fertilized eggs that undergo 
direct embryonic development with no larval stage (Drewes and Brinkhurst, 
1990). Small worms, about 1 cm in length, emerge from cocoons in about two weeks.


Lee Harper
Media, PA USA


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