Microworms in whiteworm culture?

[Midas]

Just wondering if anyone has ever had microworms appear in their whiteworm culture before? I seem to have what appears to be quite a lot of microworms in my whiteworm culture. Initially I thought that they were just baby whiteworms. I took some out and try to culture them as per Rob's article on the FNZAS site. They seem to be multiplying without getting any bigger so I think that they are microworms or something similar.

[Caryl]

Not seen it myself. I thought microworms required a different culture?

[Rob]

I haven't come across microworms in a white worm culture (not saying it's impossible though) - possibly you've got grindal worms, these were initially isolated from white worm cultures.

As for microworms/grindal worms and culture medias - I haven't experimented around to see if grindal worms would survive the way I culture microworms or vice-versa - I wouldn't rule it out, I would guess they're pretty adaptable - a case in point is that after 3 or so months of TOTAL neglect I have tried to revive my grindal worm cultures - and much to my surprise there were still some around - pretty persistent buggers - as long is there is some moisture around.

[Midas]

Thanks Rob, I think you are right Rob as the worms I isolated don't seem to be doing that well in the microworm type culture. The ones in with the white worms are still going great guns.

I think I'll just let the two cultures co-exist, they seem to be doing ok together.

[Interfecus]

I'd try starting new cultures of each in case one gets competitively excluded.

[Midas]

I don't really have to worry as it is not my only white worm culture and I'm not too worried if these other worms disappear as I haven't a use for them really at the moment, my fish are too big.