They eat by extending a large proboscis that has four hollow jaws. They are most commonly found in sand-filled bottoms of both subtidal and intertidal areas. Some blood worm variants have been known to grow upwards of 14 inches (35 cm) long.īloodworms are carnivores known to be able to survive in areas with low oxygen. While it is common for blood worms to be exceedingly small, it’s not unusual to find bigger ones. The parapodia serve multiple functions including a means of sensing and locomotion. Its head has four small antennae on top of its head along with several tiny projections on its body called parapodia. Due to having such high hemoglobin levels in their body, they can thrive in polluted waters. The red color comes from the hemoglobin that is inside of the worm. Their skin is translucent enough to allow their red-colored body fluids to be visible.

Their name comes from having a bright reddish color. It takes approximately two to three weeks for the bloodworm to hatch, develop and grow.

Bloodworms are larvae of the non-biting midge fly. They are used worldwide as a common type of fish food. Interesting Facts about Bloodworms What are Bloodworms? Image by Bill Kasman on Flickrīloodworms are a segmented worm that lives in shallow water like pools and small ponds.

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