Glycera dibranchiata 

Bloodworms

Fishing-bait bloodworms have bee-sting bites.

Bloodworms have a creamy pink color, as their pale skin allows their red body fluids that contain hemoglobin to show through. This is the origin of the name "bloodworm". At the 'head', bloodworms have four small antennae and small fleshy projections called parapodia running down their bodies

Bloodworms have small segmented worms that can grow up to 35 cm long. they are typically found on the bottom of shallow marine waters

Where they are found?

Bloodworms commonly live in shallow tidal flats, and collecting them for fishing bait is a multimillion dollar business on the east coast of North America. Bloodworm collectors are frequently bitten, which occasionally causes a severe allergic reaction resulting in hospitalisation.

Until now, scientists knew that the worms injected venom as they bite with four sharp teeth, but they were not sure exactly which components of the venom caused the reaction.

The bloodworm venom glands also express components that more closely match the toxins of completely different venomous creatures such as sea anemones and duck-billed platypuses.

What bloodworms eat?

Bloodworms will eat anything that passes by them and fits in their mouths. To catch prey, they evert (turn inside out) part of their digestive system, which includes their teeth, and launch it out of their mouth.

Life cycle 

Bloodworms are one stage in the life cycle of the non-biting Midge fly. The non-biting Midge, also known as chironomid, looks like a mosquito, but doesn't bite. Midges live near water and are found in streams, rivers, ditches, lakes and ponds. Midges are considered desirable insects in many settings and are a food source for fish and other aquatic life. They also help to keep waterways clean by consuming organic debris. The midge develops in a life cycle that includes four stages: egg, larvae (bloodworm), pupae and adult.

How bloodworms are dangerous?

Bloodworms are carnivorous. They feed by extending a large proboscis that bears four hollow jaws. The jaws are connected to glands that supply venom which they use to kill their prey, and their bite is painful even to a human. It is theorized that this copper is used as a catalyst for its venomous bite.

The science behind bloodworms allergies points to the haemoglobin that gives bloodworms their trademark bright-red colouration. These haemoglobins which powerful oxygen scavenger, are what allow bloodworms to thrive in the oxygen-deprived bodies of water they call home, but they are also what triggers an allergic reaction in some people.

From pain to medicine

The study of venom has a positive side to it.
Isolating the venom compounds may also have a medicinal use.
Venom toxins, such as those found in bloodworms, could potentially be used to develop new drugs. Painkillers and a treatment for adult-onset diabetes have already been developed from the venom of cone snails and the gila monster.

Bloodworm Uses

Fishing

Their main use is most often for fishing, especially for things like bass and trout. Their meaty texture is something that fish love, especially big predatory fish. This is why the main market for bloodworms is the fisherman market. Fisherman often use these slimy little bloodworms for baiting their hooks.

Even though they are rich in iron and protein, they lack other essential amino acids, minerals and vitamins which your fish need to breed, so always feed them alongside their staple diet.

Bloodworms are also used to condition fish that are about to breed.

They are usually high in protein so are better suited to fish such as Bettas, and any livebearer such as Mollies and Guppies.

Fish need to be fed with these live worms once or twice a week. Remember though, you should always feed your fish a varied diet. Over feeding your fish with bloodworms can lead to constipation.