Order Rhabditida Genus Panagrellus Higher classification Panagrellus | Phylum Nematoda Family Panagrolaimidae Scientific name Panagrellus redivivus Rank Species | |
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Similar Turbatrix aceti, Roundworms, Enchytraeus buchholzi, Brine shrimp, Arthrobotrys | ||
The free-living nematode Panagrellus redivivus (sour paste nematode) is known to many aquarium enthusiasts and fishkeepers as the microworm. It is a tiny roundworm used as the first food for minuscule newly hatched fish, such as the popular pet fish betta. The microworm is widely used in aquaculture as food for a variety of fish and crustacean species.
The microworm is about 50 μm in diameter and just over 1 mm in length, barely visible to the naked eye. It is easily cultured at home on a substrate of flour or porridge.
The microworm has been used in genetic analysis studies, but not nearly as universally as its relative, Caenorhabditis elegans.
References
Panagrellus redivivus Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA