Panagrellus redivivus

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iPanagrellus redivivus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Nematoda
Class: Secernentea
Order: Rhabditida
Family: Panagrolaimidae
Genus: Panagrellus
Species: P. redivivus
Binomial name
Panagrellus redivivus
L.

The free-living nematode Panagrellus redivivus is known to many aquarium enthusiasts and fishkeepers as the microworm. It is a tiny roundworm used as the first food for minuscule newly-hatched fish larvae, such as the popular pet fish betta. The microworm is widely used in aquaculture as food for a variety of fish and crustacean species.

The microworm is about 50 micrometers in diameter and just over 1 millimeter in length, barely visible to the naked eye. It is easily cultured at home on a substrate of flour or porridge.

The microworm has been used in genetic analysis studies, but not nearly as universally as its relative, Caenorhabditis elegans.

[edit] External links

[edit] Further reading

  • Schlechtriem, C., M. Ricci, U. Focken and K. Becker. (2004). The suitability of the free-living nematode Panagrellus redivivus as live food for first-feeding fish larvae. Journal of Applied Ichthyology 20(3): 161.
  • Kovaleva, E.S. et al. (2003). Panagrellus redivivus as a molecular model for cyst nematodes. Journal of Nematology 35(3): 348.
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