Tubifex worms

In Singapore, where fish shops can be found in every housing estate, live tubifex worms are easily available. Wash the worms by putting them into a tub and flushing several times with tap water. I keep my worms fresh by punching several holes on the sides of the tub that is used to hold them and placing the tub under a leaking tap. Chopped with a razor blade, tubifex worms can be used to feed young killies.

A friend said you can get rid of the parasites and diseases that come with the worms by washing them with "antiseptic mouthwash". He mixes a capful of mouthwash with the worms and let it stand for 10 minutes before flushing with tap water. I'm not sure if it works but your fish will definitely not have bad breath, that's for sure.

Bloodworms

Live bloodworms are quite easily available in Singapore too. I separate the live worms from the dead ones and removing the scum at the same time by putting the worms into a fine net and immersing it halfway into a tub of water. The live worms will swim out through the holes of the net.

Bloodworms are not really worms but the larvae of a mosquito-like insect known as a Chironomus. If uneaten, the Chironomus can start a breeding cycle in your fish tank. But don't worry, they won't suck your blood. Worst thing that can happen is that your neighbours will think you're breeding mosquitoes and call the environment ministry.

Daphnia

Daphnia, commonly known as "Ang Boon" to Singapore fish shop owners, is also a great food for killies. However, they often bring Hydra to the tanks. Hydra is harmless to adult fish but can eat small fry.

Daphnia used to found everywhere in the old days. But the environment ministry effectively wiped them all out when they went around spraying anti-mosquito pesticides. It's such a pity. I had a lot of fun collecting daphnia from small puddles after the rain when I was a kid.

Artemia

Artemia, more commonly known as brine shrimp, can be used to feed adult killies as well as fry. They have the advantage of being free from disease and parasites.

Artemia is also sold in 7-11 stores as "Sea Monkeys".

Artemia eggs are sold in local fish shops as "xia dan" (prawn eggs). They should be kept in the fridge when not in use.

Microworms

Microworms are a good source of food for killifish fry but it can be a hassle culturing and harvesting them. I don't keep microworms in the house as the wife is squeamish.

If the culture crashes, it can stink to "high heaven". Fruit flies and houseflies will lay their eggs in a microworm culture if you do not cover it well.

Vinegar Eels

Vinegar eels are useful to have around if you are breeding very small killies. Culturing them is easy as they require almost zero maintenance.

If you bring your own solution of apple vinegar cider to me, I will innoculate it for free.