What are ENCs?
ENCs - European Nightcrawlers - also called Night Crawlers, Euro's, Jumbo Reds, Catchall Crawlers, Dendro's etc.
They are a species of Nightcrawler worm widely used around the world and the rest of Australia for decades as the go-to Premium Live Fishing Worm that doubles as a Gold Standard main feed for Axolotls (Check out our Axolotl tab).
They outfish other worm species (even scrub worms) due to their size and liveliness combined with being robust.
Based on our vast research, European Nightcrawlers have never been commercially available in WA
— UNTIL NOW!
We are proud to be breeding them here locally in the South West and introducing this species to both the WA fishing industry and the WA Axolotl community .
When kept refrigerated or quite cool they maintain their large, lively and healthy size for much longer.
Versatile for upper estuary and freshwater fishing.
Throughout the rest of Australia ENCs have been used for: Redfin, Cobbler, Trout, Golden perch (yellowbelly), Carp, Murray cod, Bass, Silver perch, Bream, Flathead, Estuary perch, Whiting, Mullet, Trevally, Dart and many more!
These are not a common household or garden/earthworms - the common red wrigglers are about 3 times smaller in size and aptly called Eisenia fetida - fetida meaning foul smell, which is a natural anti-predation mechanism, this is why axolotls spit out red wigglers or tiger worms!
Our ENCs average between 1.2 to 1.6 grams with the odd one coming in around 1.9 grams.
Premium European Nightcrawlers are achieved through specialised complex commercial lab systems. This creates the large, lively and robust condition that they are renowned for.
Axolotl Feed
The Ultimate Staple for Axolotl Health
European Nightcrawlers (ENCs) have never been commercially available before in Western Australia.
We are introducing this species to the WA market, specialising in premium live feed grade ENCs that double as a premium live fishing worm.
Long considered the global gold standard for axolotl nutrition due to their perfectly balanced, high-protein profile.
Rich in Essential Amino Acids, Omega Fatty Acids (Lipids), and a full spectrum of Trace Minerals and Electrolytes - our worms support vibrant gill health, skeletal integrity, rapid tissue regeneration and more!
We breed and raise our ENCs in a science based worm lab in the South West of WA to produce a feed-grade worm that is larger, more nutrient-dense, and completely free of the bitter toxins secreted by the common compost worm.
Click below for more axolotl info!
▼ Click here for more Axolotl info & nutritional analysis
Our Worms
We raise our European Nightcrawlers in a specialised science shaped biological ecosystem. When we started our mission in 2023, we knew that ENCs were common feed for Axolotls, but we didn't know how significant this actually is for the keepers in WA.
On deeper research into the husbandry of Axolotl information, we found the nutritional profile of feed grade European Nightcrawlers to be quite a significant benefit to the overall health of Axolotls, as a preferred and main feed item. With the absence of this species, it may well be one of the reasons feed and nutrition challenges have been a common subject in the Axolotl keeper community in WA for quite some time.
The result of our ecological process is a large Premium feed grade European Nightcrawler with a higher than usual beneficial nutrient density. On average, one of our ENCs provides over 375% more bio-available nutrients than the average size (0.5g) red wiggler from home composting systems.
Typical Nutritional Analysis & Health Profile (Dry Matter Basis)
The below data has been collected through our in-depth research into nutritional requirements in Axolotl husbandry, the analysis of feed quality European Nightcrawlers and the influence on environmental conditions.
Dry Matter (DM) Basis: Analysis is calculated excluding moisture content to provide a true measure of nutrient concentration and feed benefit. Moisture and nutrient content varies widely in the myriads of things people feed axolotls and environmental conditions in home worm farms. Our ENCs average 20%+ DM showing a positive concentration of solids (Proteins including Essential Amino Acids, Lipids such as Omega fatty acids, and a full spectrum of Trace Minerals and Electrolytes) compared to the 12-15% average DM found in household compost worms.
| Nutrient Component (Source) | Biological Benefit of European Nightcrawlers | Known Health Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Crude Protein (65.0% DM) |
Regenerative Synthesis: High bio-available protein levels supporting oxygen-absorbing gill frond density and aiding rapid regeneration of limbs and tissues. | Gill Atrophy & Tissue Degeneration: Malnutrition leads to shrinking gill fronds, making them appear transparent or brittle. Underweight reducing immunity. |
| Crude Fat (14.0% DM) |
Highly Beneficial Lean Energy (Lipids & Omegas): A concentrated fuel source providing the specific energy required for gill and limb regeneration. These healthy lipids support a robust slime coat and vital organ health without the risk of obesity. | Fatty Liver & Lethargy: Unlike the heavy land-based animal fats found in beef or low grade processed feeds that clog the liver, our worms provide clean energy that fuels growth without the risk of Hepatic Lipidosis (Fatty liver disease). |
| Carbohydrates (13.0% DM) |
Protein-Sparing Glycogen: Provides fast-acting energy storage. This allows the axolotl's body to use the worm's high protein strictly for cell repair, gill health, and tissue growth rather than burning it as a basic energy source. | Metabolic Fatigue & Stunted Growth: When a diet lacks clean energy sources, an axolotl is forced to burn its protein intake just to survive, starving its limbs and gills of essential regenerative nutrients. |
| Calcium (0.24% DM) |
Skeletal Integrity: Directly supporting development of a robust cartilaginous skeleton. Enhanced by naturally occurring Magnesium to aid Calcium absorption. | Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): Symptoms include jaw softening and skeletal fractures where limbs cannot support body weight. |
| Phosphorus (0.12% DM) |
Optimal Phosphorus Levels: Balanced to support renal homeostasis, ensuring calcium is retained in the skeletal matrix rather than being excreted. | Secondary Hyperparathyroidism: High phosphorus levels (unbalanced by calcium) leach minerals from bones, leading to skeletal softening (MBD). |
| Ca:P Ratio (2:1) |
Optimal Bioavailability: Mimicking the ideal Ca:P (Calcium:Phosphorus) ratios of the wild diet of the Ambystoma mexicanum, supporting maximum intestinal uptake of essential minerals. | Systemic Mineral Deficiency: Poor gut absorption can lead to neurological tremors and stunted physical development. |
| Vitamins & Iron | Haemoglobin Support: Naturally occurring iron and B-vitamins supporting vibrant, red gills and active metabolic states. | Anaemia & Poor Gill Colour: Iron deficiency leads to pale, ghost-white gills and reduced metabolic stamina. |
| Feeding Response | Superior Liveliness: Liveliness of ENCs triggering a strong natural "strike" instinct by remaining very active in water even for extended periods, even after being cut to feed size. | Feeding Lethargy: Axolotls may reject or ignore sedentary or "limp" food. Live movement is required to stimulate slow eaters. |
| Palatability Attribute | Toxin-Free Acceptance: Lacks bitter coelomic defence fluids found in other species, supporting a strong acceptance via oral chemoreceptors. | Anorexia & Sensory Rejection: Bitter fluids from Red Wigglers trigger "spit-out" reflexes. (Past negative feed experiences can take time to reverse.) |
| Environmental Impact (Bioload & Microbiome) |
System Stability & Microbial Synergy: High bioavailability minimises the nitrogenous load on aquarium filtration. Our research indicates ENCs appear to assist in seeding beneficial microbes (Nitrifying, Probiotic, and Decomposing strains) that support a healthy tank microbiome. | Water Quality & Waste: Incomplete feeds or undigested waste rotting in substrate can cause challenging ammonia spikes and fuel harmful bacterial blooms (cyanobacteria). Frozen foods lack beneficial microbes. |
"We are excited to be offering a helping hand in the dietary health of axolotls in WA offering feed grade ENCs that doubles as the gold standard of premium fishing worms to people in Western Australia."
Cheers,
Michael
Founder, Hooked On Western Worms
Scientific References & Husbandry Bibliography
Husbandry & Nutritional Requirements
- LibertyLand Axolotl Rescue (2024) - The Value of European Nightcrawler Worms
- Axolotl Planet - Ultimate Guide to Axolotl Nutrition for Every Life Stage
- ResearchGate (2022) - Optimal Dietary Protein Levels for Ambystoma mexicanum
- Wonder In Nature (2024) - Best Axolotl Diet & Ca:P Ratios
- Axolotl Central - Comprehensive Axolotl Nutrition Guide
- SpectrumCare - Hepatic Lipidosis (Fatty Liver Disease) in Axolotls
- MDPI Animals (2026) - Lipid Homeostasis & Metabolism in Aquatic Species
Invertebrate Nutritional Composition
- MDPI Foods (2023) - Nutritional Evaluation & Analysis of Eisenia Species
- PubMed Central (PMC) - Earthworms as a Potential Protein & Food Source
- Amphibian Ark - Feeder Invertebrates Comprehensive Nutritional Comparisons
Microbiome & Regeneration
- PubMed Central (PMC) - Regenerative Synthesis & Skeletal Resorption Pathways
- PubMed Central (PMC) - Earthworm Digestive Microbiome & Seeding Mechanics
Disclaimer: Hooked On Western Worms accepts no responsibility for storage, handling, or pet feeding husbandry once our products leave our facility or are purchased via an authorized reseller. Please refer to your pet's specific requirements to ensure safe feeding sizes and techniques.
NOW OFFERING Buy online with express post!
Read all details before purchasing!
We will open availability to a limited stock weekly on Tuesdays 12pm. Limit of 2 tubs per purchase.
Important information:
These are a live product. Track your package!
Summer / warm weather deliveries: Please use a home or work address where someone can accept the parcel straight up and keep cool or, instruct to be placed in a prepared cooler box with a few frozen water bottles in a full shade location. Worms won't tolerate being over 30 degrees for too long!
Express post schedule: We post orders on Mondays to avoid your worms from spending the weekend partying in a Post office. Orders placed after 3pm Sunday will be dispatched the following postal week.
Delivery typically takes 2–3 business days. We may delay postage in heat waves to avoid potential losses.
Remote long distance postage is not recommend as extended high temperatures in transit are not friendly to our worms. The risk is on you.
We post Mondays from Manjimup Post office.
Find a Stockist
We are seeking stockists to supply our Hooked On Western Worms and to support independent stores. To become a stockist and be listed below please contact us.
Stockist
THAT FISHING SHOP IN WAROONA.
PEMBERTON GENERAL STORE.
About us
Hooked On Western Worms is a family-run business breeding and supplying premium European Nightcrawlers for anglers and pet owners. We take a science-based approach to breeding and husbandry in our specialised commercial worm lab so our ENCs are consistently large, healthy, vigorous, and long-lasting. Our ENCs are lively in the tub, tough on the hook, and dependable as premium live feed. For clean, reliable, WA-grown ENCs, you’re in the right place. We love living and fishing in the South-West and are so excited to offer this quality product in Western Australia.
Click on our Axolotl tab to find our more.
