Micro Worm Culture Setup & Maintenance Guide

Live Fish Food Protocol – Lane Aquatics

Micro worms (Panagrellus redivivus) are one of the easiest and most reliable live foods for raising fry. They are small, slow-moving, and perfect for guppies, bettas, angelfish fry, and other small freshwater fish.

This guide outlines the exact Lane Aquatics culture method for consistent production.

🧪 Materials Needed

• Plastic culture container with lid (vented or loosely covered)

• Oatmeal or instant oats (base food)

• Active dry yeast

• Water

• Micro worm starter culture

• Spoon or mixing tool

• Small collection tool (cotton swab or plastic scraper)

⚙️ Step 1: Prepare Culture Substrate

1. Add a thin layer of oatmeal to the bottom of the container.

2. Add enough water to create a thick paste consistency (not watery).

3. Mix thoroughly.

✔ Goal: Moist, thick substrate (like peanut butter texture)

🍞 Step 2: Add Yeast

1. Lightly sprinkle a small pinch of yeast over the surface.

2. Do not overuse yeast—too much can cause crashes.

🪱 Step 3: Add Micro Worm Starter Culture

1. Spread starter culture evenly over the substrate surface.

2. Close container loosely (do NOT seal airtight).

🌡️ Step 4: Culture Conditions

• Keep at room temperature (20–26°C ideal)

• Avoid direct sunlight

• Ensure slight airflow (prevents anaerobic buildup)

✔ Culture should begin producing worms in 24–48 hours

🧫 Step 5: Harvesting Micro Worms

1. After 2–4 days, worms will climb the container walls.

2. Use a cotton swab, finger, or plastic scraper to collect worms.

3. Rinse into aquarium or feeding container.

✔ Harvest daily for best productivity

🔁 Step 6: Maintenance & Renewal

• Cultures peak in 7–14 days

• Replace culture every 2–3 weeks

• Start new cultures before old ones crash

📊 Quick Reference

ParameterValueCulture MediumOatmeal pasteTemperature20–26°CFirst Harvest24–48 hoursPeak Production7–14 daysCulture Life2–3 weeks

⚠️ Important Notes

• Do not seal container airtight

• Avoid excess moisture (prevents sour crashes)

• Start multiple cultures for continuous production

• Always keep a backup starter culture

🧬 About This System

This micro worm culture protocol is used at Lane Aquatics (Texas-based breeder) to produce continuous live food for fry development. It supports early growth stages in guppies, angelfish, plecos, and other freshwater species.