Walter worms (Panagrellus silusioides) are small, white, free-living nematodes that make an excellent live food for fish fry. Smaller than microworms and slightly larger than banana worms, Walter worms strike a perfect balance for feeding newborn and slightly older fry. Their wriggling motion and ability to survive in water for hours make them highly attractive and accessible to baby fish.
This 8-oz culture in oat-based media is teeming with active Walter worms, ready to feed or propagate. Walter worms are easy to maintain, odor-free, and ideal for breeders who want a reliable, renewable fry food source.
Bettas, killifish, gouramis, rainbowfish fry
Breeding projects requiring tiny live food
Low-maintenance, shelf-stable fry food solution
Container: Transfer to a clean plastic container (taller is better)
Temperature: Room temperature (50°F–78°F / 10°C–25°C)
Lighting: Indirect light is fine; avoid direct sunlight or extreme heat.
Air: Culture needs air exchange – keep the lid loose or use a breathable cover.
When production slows after 1–3 weeks, refresh the media by discarding half of the culture (it can be used to create a new culture or discarded in the trash).
Add oat media and dry activated yeast.
Scrape worms from the sides of the container using a cotton swab, paint brush, or finger.
Rinse into a small cup with dechlorinated water or use directly.
Drop into the fry tank— These worms are small and sink slowly. They survive in an aquarium for 2 to 6 hours.
Feed the culture with yeast after harvesting.
Prepare the Oat media by soaking organic oats in dechlorinated water for 12 hours.
Spread hydrated oats (~1/4 inch thick) in a clean plastic container.
Add one teaspoon of dry activated yeast.
Transfer a scoop of the old culture as a starter.
Store at room temperature.
Vinegar Eels: These are the smallest in my store. They are free-swimming worms that can swim at the water's surface.
Walter Worms: These worms are small and sink slowly. They survive in an aquarium for 2 to 6 hours.
Micro Worms: Another type of small worm, these also sink and survive 2 to 6 hours in the aquarium.
Banana Worms (Large variety): These small worms sink quickly and survive in an aquarium for 2 to 6 hours.
Walter worms (Panagrellus silusioides) are small, white, free-living nematodes that make an excellent live food for fish fry. Smaller than microworms and slightly larger than banana worms, Walter worms strike a perfect balance for feeding newborn and slightly older fry. Their wriggling motion and ability to survive in water for hours make them highly attractive and accessible to baby fish.
This 8-oz culture in oat-based media is teeming with active Walter worms, ready to feed or propagate. Walter worms are easy to maintain, odor-free, and ideal for breeders who want a reliable, renewable fry food source.
Bettas, killifish, gouramis, rainbowfish fry
Breeding projects requiring tiny live food
Low-maintenance, shelf-stable fry food solution
Container: Transfer to a clean plastic container (taller is better)
Temperature: Room temperature (50°F–78°F / 10°C–25°C)
Lighting: Indirect light is fine; avoid direct sunlight or extreme heat.
Air: Culture needs air exchange – keep the lid loose or use a breathable cover.
When production slows after 1–3 weeks, refresh the media by discarding half of the culture (it can be used to create a new culture or discarded in the trash).
Add oat media and dry activated yeast.
Scrape worms from the sides of the container using a cotton swab, paint brush, or finger.
Rinse into a small cup with dechlorinated water or use directly.
Drop into the fry tank— These worms are small and sink slowly. They survive in an aquarium for 2 to 6 hours.
Feed the culture with yeast after harvesting.
Prepare the Oat media by soaking organic oats in dechlorinated water for 12 hours.
Spread hydrated oats (~1/4 inch thick) in a clean plastic container.
Add one teaspoon of dry activated yeast.
Transfer a scoop of the old culture as a starter.
Store at room temperature.
Vinegar Eels: These are the smallest in my store. They are free-swimming worms that can swim at the water's surface.
Walter Worms: These worms are small and sink slowly. They survive in an aquarium for 2 to 6 hours.
Micro Worms: Another type of small worm, these also sink and survive 2 to 6 hours in the aquarium.
Banana Worms (Large variety): These small worms sink quickly and survive in an aquarium for 2 to 6 hours.
