A Delicacy for Aquarium Inhabitants
Live white mosquito larvae, also known as glassworms (*Chaoborus*), are an absolute favorite for most aquarium fish. Most pet stores sell them in small pouches with minimal water, where they can stay fresh for up to 14 days in the refrigerator from the date of packing under ideal conditions.
Challenges When Purchasing
The primary challenge for the hobbyist is that these pouches are rarely labeled with a packing date. Consequently, it is difficult to know how long they have been sitting in the store's refrigerator before purchase. Additionally, using them as a primary food source can be quite expensive, especially for those keeping large, greedy fish like cichlids.
Proper Handling and Feeding
It is critically important to rinse the larvae thoroughly in a fine-mesh net with clean water before adding them to the aquarium. The water inside the pouches can often be highly contaminated with waste products that you do not want to introduce into your tank's environment.
Home Storage
If you do not use the entire pouch at once, the larvae can be stored for 4-5 days in a container with cold water in the refrigerator. During winter, they can also be kept outside in a bucket, provided the water remains cold.
