What are Tubifex worms?
Whirling disease requires two hosts – a worm and a fish. Tubifex worms are the required invertebrate hosts for the parasite. These oligochaete worms are called Tubifex tubifex and are related to the common earthworm. They are very small (about ½-inch in length) and are very common and widespread around the world. They live in sediments of lakes and streams, and thrive in areas with abundant fine sediment and rich organic material. Researchers have tested many kinds of worms and have determined that only Tubifex tubifex can be host to the whirling disease parasite.
