So tiny...

[Ramon]

The little ones arrived today, and they're definitely the smallest things I've ever cared for... The tank is far, far too big for them, I can only very occasionally catch a glimpse of one of them, the rest of the time they're good and well hidden. My original plan had been to feed them live blackworms combined with frozen baby brine shrimp and daphnia, but now I think they're too little for the blackworms. I know that when very young, they find food by detecting movement. Will they eat the frozen daphnia and baby brine shrimp? They still have red bellies from the baby brine shrimp they ate before being sent, so they should be fine for a few hours at least while I figure this out. Thanks in advance for the help!

~Ramon

Edit: I'd say the picture is pretty close to their actual sizes.

[Dave]

They look like the ones i just recieved, about the same size. I feed them blood worms and they seem to enjoy them really much.

[Ramon]

Excellent. Do you chop them up at all? Or just whole? Because if they handle whole bloodworms, they should be able to handle whole blackworms too...

[John Clare]

How long are they? I bet they can eat blackworms, or somewhat chopped blackworms.

[Ramon]

I'd say the biggest (wild-type) is about an inch.

~Ramon

[John Clare]

You could cut the blackworms in half, that should be sufficient.

[Dave]

Here's my thread they are about an inch as well, prolly a little bigger. They eat the bloodwroms just fine.
Tank Setup Done

[Ramon]

Dave,

I wish mine were as big as yours. Mine barely have front legs, they look more like fins at the moment. John, I'll try cutting the blackworms in half and see how well they're received. I'll keep you posted. Thanks for the quick assistance!

~Ramon

[SUZY]

You can also get whiteworms or grindle worms.

[Ramon]

I put the little ones in a bowl with some halved blackworms and thawed baby brine shrimp. They paid absolutely no mind to the shrimp. The two smaller ones struggled with a worm each after a while, one gave up and the other one stuck with it and got it all swallowed. I left them in there another 20 minutes and they paid no more mind to the worms, even when they were wriggling in front of their faces, so I put them back in the tank. I'll try again tomorrow, this time I think I'll cut them into thirds.

~Ramon

[Stef]

If you're unsure about the size to cut the blackworms, I used to mince mine. Just cut them like a chef cuts lettuce.
Chop chop chop chop with a razor. That way they get into tiny pieces about 2mm-4mm in length.

[Ramon]

Stef,

That seems to have done the trick. I took a few worms and cut them up in 17 pieces. I put the pieces in their food bowl, and there are 9 left now, so they're definitely eating. I know whole live blackworms can stay in the tank awhile without worry, but will chopped ones foul up the water if theyre still wriggling?

~Ramon

[John Clare]

Originally Posted by rfm2113

I know whole live blackworms can stay in the tank awhile without worry, but will chopped ones foul up the water if theyre still wriggling?

The segments usually wiggle for days, so don't worry too much.

[Dave]

If that’s so I might try black worms instead of blood worms. My little guys seem to take a while before they notice the food. Since blood worms are recommended to stay in the tank for about 30 minutes I think black worms might be a better option.

[melfly]

Can you get hold of any brine shrimp eggs?

Mine are fed on live baby brine shrimp. They are so easy to hatch out and are fresh and nutricious.

I use a 2 litre pop bottle and an air line so easy and my babies that range from half an inch to an inch and a half love em

Hope that helps
Mel