From the riverbed to the aquarium shop

Tubifex worms are organisms that live in the mud at the bottom of rivers, often used as food for ornamental fish and fish fry, helping young fish grow quickly. In Can Tho, tubifex worm harvesting has become a livelihood for many people. Although the natural worm population is dwindling and income depends on the tides, this profession still survives thanks to the stable demand from ornamental fish shops and aquaculture facilities.

A session of earthworm harvesting by local people in Tan Thanh commune.

On some rivers and canals in Can Tho City, when the water begins to recede, those who make a living harvesting tubifex worms prepare their tools to go into the water. Nets, plastic basins, and years of accumulated experience are their "assets" that give them confidence in their work.

Mr. Tran Van Loi, residing in Hamlet 1, Tan Thanh Commune, who has been involved in this work for many years, said: "Finding a place with many tubifex worms is not easy. Those in the profession must observe the water color, the softness of the mud layer, and the tidal patterns to determine a suitable location. Once a harvesting spot is chosen, they lower the net to the bottom and use their hands to gather the mud, then continuously sift the mud to retain the tubifex worms mixed in."

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Earthworm yield depends on tides, weather, and the natural density of earthworms. On average, a worker can collect 2-3 kg of earthworms after several hours of work. The collected worms are then purchased by traders or aquarium shops. With a selling price ranging from 120,000 to 140,000 VND/kg, those working in this profession earn 300,000 to 500,000 VND per day. On days with dense earthworm populations, yield can increase, but there are also days of... poor harvest.

Mr. Tran Tuan Dung, owner of an aquarium shop on Le Hong Phong Street, Phu Loi Ward, said: “Vascular worms are a popular food source for fish fry and fingerlings. This type of food has a high nutritional content, helping fish grow quickly in the early stages. Every day, the shop sells about 2-3 kg of tubifex worms to serve aquarium fish breeders and fish hatcheries.”

However, those involved in the profession believe that the current yield of natural tubifex worms has decreased significantly compared to the past. While many years ago, a single day's work could yield a large quantity of worms, now those engaged in this profession have to travel across numerous rivers and canals to achieve a similar yield. Prolonged exploitation and environmental changes are believed to be the reasons for the increasing scarcity of tubifex worms.

The decline in this resource makes an already arduous job even more difficult. Nevertheless, many people still cling to the profession because it is a source of income for their families and there is demand for tubifex worms in the ornamental fish industry as well as in aquaculture breeding.

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Text and photos: KIM NGỌC

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/tu-long-song-den-tiem-ca-canh-a207164.html