Tubifex tubifex
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2008-02-28T23:06:17Z
Gytha
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{{Taxobox
| name = ''Tubifex tubifex''
| image = TUBIFEX.gif
| regnum = [[Animal]]ia
| phylum = [[Annelid]]a
| classis = [[Oligochaeta]]
| ordo = [[Clitellata]]
| familia = [[Tubificidae]]
| genus = ''[[Tubifex]]''
| species = '''''T. tubifex'''''
| binomial = ''Tubifex tubifex''
| binomial_authority = ([[Johannes Muller|Müller]], 1774)
}}
'''''Tubifex tubifex,''''' also called the '''sludge worm''' or '''sewage worm,''' is a [[species]] of [[tubificidae|tubificid]] [[segmented worm]] that inhabits the sediments of [[lake]]s and [[river]]s on several continents. ''T. tubifex'' probably includes several species, but distinguishing between them is difficult because [[reproductive organ]]s, commonly used in species identification, are resorbed after mating, and because external characteristics of the worm vary with changes in [[salinity]]. These worms ingest sediments and gain nutrition by selectively digesting [[bacteria]] and absorbing molecules through the body wall. The worms can survive with little [[oxygen]] through the use of their [[hemoglobin]] rich tail-ends, which they wave in order to absorb what little oxygen they can. They can also survive in areas so heavily [[pollution|polluted]] with organic matter that almost no other species can endure. By forming a protective cyst and lowering its [[metabolic rate]], ''T. tubifex'' can survive drought and food shortage. Encystment may also function in dispersal of the worm.
==Uses==
Ecologically, it is important as a source of food for [[leech]]es, [[crustacean]]s, [[insect]]s, and [[fish]]es. ''Tubifex'' are sold to [[aquarium|aquarists]] as fish-food in both live and [[freeze dried]], pelletised forms. These worms are relatively easy to culture, but it takes a month or more to get a culture going to the point that it is ready to harvest.
==Warnings==
Tubifex usually contaminate tank water very easily and are not recommended.
It is most economically important to humans as a host of ''[[Myxobolus cerebralis]],'' which causes disease in [[fish stocks]]. No other worms are known to harbor this [[parasite]]. Care should be taken when feeding Tubifex to aquarium fish.
==References==
*Gilbert, M. A. & Granath, W.O. Jr. (2003). Whirling disease and salmonid fish: life cycle, biology, and disease. Journal of Parasitology, 89(4), pp. 658–667
*{{ITIS|ID=68623 |taxon=''Tubifex tubifex''|year= 2007| date = 22 May}}
[[Category:Annelids]]
[[Category:Parasitology]]
[[Category:Fishkeeping]]
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