Evaluating White Worm (Enchytraeus sp.) Culture Conditions and Zeolite Supplementation for Aquaculture Live Feed

This study aimed to determine the culture conditions and some anatomic features for using white worms (Enchytraeus sp.) as live feed in aquaculture. In the first experiment (Culture 1), coconut peat was used as the culture media and it was determined that, under approximately 21 °C, the population of the white worm species increased from 10 adult individuals to a total of 424 individuals (including both adults and juveniles) over a 70-day period. Unlike the first experimental stage (Culture 1), the second stage (Culture 2) was structured into three groups. In the second experiment (Culture 2), coconut peat was used as the culture media in the first (G1) and second experimental groups (G2), and zeolite with coconut peat in the third group (G3). The first (G1) and third experimental (G3) groups were fed a control diet, while the second group (G2) was fed a diet with 10% zeolite added to the control diet. In the 60-day study conducted during the culture-2 phase, the worm population, which initially consisted of 10 individuals, reached its highest values in Group 3. The use of zeolite as a substrate and feed additive for white worm culture was investigated for the first time, and original data were obtained that will contribute to filling the gap in the literature. Furthermore, the aquarium filtration sponge used in addition to the culture soil was determined to be a suitable substrate material for collecting cocoon data. The findings of this study provide new supporting data that will fill gaps in the literature regarding materials and methods that contribute positively to white worm culture conditions.