Panagrellus redivivus

Panagrellus redivivus
Observation of Panagrellus redivivus on a Zeiss microscope stage
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Nematoda
Class: Secernentea
Order: Rhabditida
Family: Panagrolaimidae
Genus: Panagrellus
Species: P. redivivus
Binomial name
Panagrellus redivivus
L.

The free-living nematode Panagrellus redivivus (sour paste nematode) is known to many aquarium enthusiasts and fishkeepers as the microworm. It is a tiny roundworm used as the first food for minuscule newly hatched fish, such as the popular pet fish betta. The microworm is widely used in aquaculture as food for a variety of fish and crustacean species.

The microworm is about 50 micrometers in diameter and just over one millimeter in length, barely visible to the naked eye. It is easily cultured at home on a substrate of flour or porridge.[1]

The microworm has been used in genetic analysis studies, but not nearly as universally as its relative, Caenorhabditis elegans.

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