Enchytracidae 193 



LABORATORY CULTURE OF ENCHYTRAEUS 



Victor Loosanoff, U. S. Bureau of Fisheries 



THESE small Oligochaetae are extensively used for feeding small 

 fish and amphibians kept under laboratory conditions. Since it is 

 comparatively easy to grow them and because they are excellent food for 

 lower vertebrates, it is desirable to maintain an abundant supply in each 

 laboratory where work on fish or Amphibia is carried on. 



To grow Enchytraeus collect rich, dark garden soil and place in a large 

 dish pan. Pulverize a few milk crackers or dry pieces of bread, and mix 

 this powder with the soil, which has previously been rendered moist. 

 After three or four days seed the soil with Enchytraeus taken from 

 another culture or obtained from a biological supply house. Add more 

 cracker powder. The soil must always be kept moist but not wet. It has 

 been observed by the writer that the best growth of worms is obtained 

 if the culture is kept at a temperature of about 20 C. The culture must 

 be kept covered with a lid but not too tightly, allowing free access of 

 air. Addition of small quantities of crushed bone powder helps to keep 

 the culture in good condition. Crushed crackers or bread crumbs should 

 be added to the soil every 4-6 days. 



ENCHYTRAEID WORMS 



William LeRay and Norma Ford, University of Toronto 



A SPECIES of enchytraeid worm, which is used in our department, 

 was originally obtained from a dealer. These worms are kept in 

 boxes 1% x 2 feet in size, over the bottom of which is spread 4 inches of 

 rich soil, consisting largely of decayed leaves. The worms, are fed on 

 white bread soaked in milk, buried in furrows across the box. A tem- 

 perature of about 6o° F. is desirable, although some strains of this worm 

 will withstand higher temperatures. 



Enchytraeid worms are used to feed a great variety of animals, in- 

 cluding leeches, crayfish, etc. 



References 



For the culture of Enchytraeus albidus see also p. 196. 



For the culture of several species of Oligochaetes see p. 136. 

 Family Aelosomatidae 



For the culture of Aelosoma see p. 143. 

 Family Naididae 



For the culture of Nais see p. 143. 



For the culture of Dero see p. 143. 



