View Full Version : live earthworms OR live blackworms
Quiet Storm
06-15-2009, 6:56 PM
For the past 2 months my ray would only eat live blackworms but recently he has started to eat live earthworms (purchased from a bait store) and I was wondering if I should completely stop the live blackworm feedings. I hear that they can carry diseases, is it the same for earthworms? And how much should I feed my 8" hystrix if i go with an all earthworm diet? (thats only till i can get him on other stuff). Thanks and anyother info or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
turkeyboy85
06-15-2009, 7:17 PM
1. where did u get the hystrix.... most likly isnt a hystrix
2. Earthworms > blackworms for me..... more substance (you can feed as much as your ray will eat)
3. If you havent already, just to be safe, go out and get a bottle of prazi pro and dose your tank... this way you know for sure you have have no parasites in ur tank/ in your ray
Quiet Storm
06-15-2009, 7:26 PM
1. where did u get the hystrix.... most likly isnt a hystrix
2. Earthworms > blackworms for me..... more substance (you can feed as much as your ray will eat)
3. If you havent already, just to be safe, go out and get a bottle of prazi pro and dose your tank... this way you know for sure you have have no parasites in ur tank/ in your ray
Why don't you think I have a hystrix? :confused: He actually looks exactly like the one in your avatar. I've already done the prazi pro bath. Are earthworms alot safer then live blackworms? and I read that gut loading them is an option any suggestions? right now they are in the little bait cup that i bought them in with just soil.
turkeyboy85
06-15-2009, 7:30 PM
Then you do..... most wholesalers will name a common ray a hystrix trying to gain a little profit because Brazil has an export ban on thier rays (which is where they come from). You dont have to gut load the worms they should be fine, try and get it on market shrimp... its cheaper
jwong1024
06-15-2009, 7:39 PM
I feed my rays earthworms and shrimp, just to give them a change of pace. I agreed ditch the blackworms, unless you got tons of money to spend. I only use blacekworms for pups until I get them on earthworms. Every ray I have keep eventually got onto earthworms and seem very healthy.
jwong1024
06-15-2009, 7:40 PM
BTW TB I saw your youtube vid on challenging the rays to get there food. Very excellent idea.
turkeyboy85
06-15-2009, 7:42 PM
BTW TB I saw your youtube vid on challenging the rays to get there food. Very excellent idea.
thanks, the first time it took them 15 min, second time 8 minutes, 5 minutes.... now they flip it right away
Quiet Storm
06-15-2009, 7:54 PM
what no link :D:drool:
turkeyboy85
06-15-2009, 7:57 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixTkrkDNQMc
here ya go.... sorry for kinda hijaking you thread
Quiet Storm
06-15-2009, 8:04 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixTkrkDNQMc
here ya go.... sorry for kinda hijaking you thread
it ain't no thang but a chicken wang!lol JP no problem bro, I just came up on seeing a cool video:headbang2thanks! I love leos! I just wish I had the money for one :ROFL:, or should I say the williness to pay:D
You could feed both blackworms and earthworms.
This adds variety to your rays' diet.
They both have different nutrition values and are both safe food sources.
(Depending on where you get them of course.)
Blackworms carry diseases/harmfull bacteria when they are not kept clean and purchased from a dirty source. This is also true for earthworms as well.
The rumor that blackworms carry parasites (cestodes, ect.) is a MYTH!
Again it all comes down to where you buy them and how often you wash them.
They are teeming with nutrition and should not be ruled out because they are a bit more expensive.
Keep their diet varied! Your rays will love you for it!
BTW I would love to see pictures of your Hystrix :)