Salamanders are soft-bodied, slow-moving creatures that live quiet lives in forests, ponds, and damp corners of the world. Whether you keep one as a pet or just enjoy learning about them, it’s natural to wonder about their diet.
Yes, salamanders can eat bloodworms. These tiny worms are a soft, nutritious food that many aquatic and semi-aquatic salamanders can enjoy. Bloodworms are easy to digest and are often used as a safe option, especially for younger or smaller salamanders.
What Exactly Are Bloodworms?
Despite the name, bloodworms are not worms in the traditional sense. They are the larvae of non-biting midge flies, and their bright red color comes from hemoglobin in their bodies.
That’s what allows them to survive in low-oxygen environments like the bottom of ponds. Their soft texture and high protein content make them a common food choice for aquatic pets.
If you’ve seen bloodworms for sale, you’ve probably noticed they come in a few different forms.
The most popular are frozen bloodworms, which are usually sold in cube form and thawed before feeding.
There are also freeze-dried bloodworms, which are shelf-stable and easy to store. And in some cases, you might find live bloodworms, which wriggle and squirm just like natural prey.
For salamanders, frozen bloodworms are often the safest and most convenient option. They are clean, free from parasites, and easy to portion.
Freeze-dried ones can work too, though they require soaking. Live bloodworms are closer to what a salamander would encounter in nature, but they come with risks.
Why Bloodworms Are a Good Match for Salamanders
Salamanders are carnivores. They rely on small, soft-bodied prey to stay healthy. In the wild, they eat insects, worms, and other invertebrates that they can catch and swallow whole.
Bloodworms fit into this category. They are small, squishy, and full of the nutrients that salamanders need.
Aquatic salamanders and those with aquatic larval stages are especially well-suited to eating bloodworms. Axolotls, tiger salamander larvae, eastern newts, and fire-bellied newts all enjoy food that floats or drifts in the water.
When bloodworms move around, even slightly, they trigger the hunting instinct in salamanders. This makes them especially helpful for picky eaters or salamanders recovering from stress or illness.
Since bloodworms are soft and high in protein, they are also a good choice for young salamanders that are still growing. They don’t bite, they don’t fight back, and they won’t hurt your salamander if swallowed whole.
How to Safely Feed Bloodworms
Feeding bloodworms isn’t difficult, but it’s worth doing it properly. If you are using frozen bloodworms, let them thaw in clean water first.
Don’t feed them while still frozen. The cold temperature can be uncomfortable, and frozen chunks are harder to digest.
If you are using freeze-dried bloodworms, always soak them before feeding. They rehydrate quickly, but if offered dry, they can swell inside your salamander and cause bloating or digestive discomfort.
Live bloodworms should be rinsed before use. Only buy them from reputable sources, and avoid wild-caught ones.
Bloodworms that come from contaminated water can carry parasites, bacteria, or other harmful substances.
Most salamander keepers use feeding tongs or turkey basters to offer food directly. This helps target the food toward your salamander and avoids waste.
If you drop the bloodworms into the water, they may float for a few minutes before sinking. Many aquatic salamanders will chase them as they drift down.
Which Salamanders Can Eat Them?
Bloodworms are a great match for aquatic and semi-aquatic salamanders. If your salamander spends most or all of its time in the water, there’s a good chance it will accept bloodworms.
Axolotls, tiger salamander larvae, fire-bellied newts, and eastern newts are all good candidates. Spotted salamanders in their aquatic stage will usually take bloodworms too.
These species are used to finding food in the water and are more responsive to prey that drifts or wiggles.
Fully terrestrial adult salamanders may not be as interested. Since they usually hunt on land and rely on smell or vibration, they may ignore bloodworms unless they are fed directly on feeding tongs or in shallow dishes.
Most terrestrial salamanders prefer crawling insects or earthworms instead.
How Often Can You Use Bloodworms?
Bloodworms can be part of a healthy, varied diet, but they should not be the only food offered. They are rich in protein and iron but low in calcium. Over time, feeding only bloodworms can lead to imbalances.
For juvenile salamanders, bloodworms can be offered three or four times per week. They are easy to digest and help support growth.
For adults, two or three feedings per week is usually enough. You can rotate them with other foods like earthworms or blackworms to keep the diet balanced.
Always watch for uneaten food and clean it out of the tank soon after feeding. Leftover bloodworms can decay quickly and affect water quality.
Should Bloodworms Be a Staple?
Bloodworms are a great supplement, but they shouldn’t be the only thing your salamander eats. They don’t contain enough calcium or other trace nutrients to support long-term health on their own. This is especially important for young salamanders whose bones and skin are still developing.
You can build a more complete diet by adding other protein sources. Earthworms are one of the best options.
They are soft, full of nutrients, and accepted by most salamanders. Blackworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp are other good options for aquatic species.
Crickets, fruit flies, and small feeder insects work well for land-dwelling salamanders.
When feeding insects, you can dust them with calcium powder or vitamin supplements. This helps replace what bloodworms lack and prevents long-term health problems like soft bones or poor skin condition.
What Are the Risks?
Bloodworms are generally safe, but there are still a few things to be aware of. Freeze-dried bloodworms can be hard to digest if you don’t soak them first.
Dry pieces can swell in the salamander’s gut and cause discomfort or bloating.
Live bloodworms can carry bacteria or parasites, especially if they come from dirty water. Always rinse them first and avoid feeding them too often.
Some animals, including humans, can have allergic reactions to bloodworms. This is rare, but if you notice skin irritation, sneezing, or discomfort after handling them, switch to another food source and wear gloves.
It’s also important not to overfeed. Bloodworms are small, but if too many are left in the tank, they can decay and pollute the water. This is especially true in small aquariums.
Conclusion
Yes, salamanders can eat bloodworms, and they’re one of the better food choices for aquatic and juvenile salamanders.
These soft, red larvae are easy to digest and full of protein, making them a gentle and effective food for many species with diverse feeding strategies.
Frozen bloodworms are the best choice for most pet keepers, while freeze-dried or live options can work with care.
Still, bloodworms should only be part of a varied, well-balanced diet. They are low in calcium and not suitable as a staple food on their own.
To keep your salamander healthy, rotate bloodworms with other foods like earthworms, blackworms, or insects, and always clean up any leftovers promptly.
Hi, my name is Ezra Mushala, i have been interested animals all my life. I am the main author and editor here at snakeinformer.com.