San Francisco Bay Brand Bloodworms - A Freshwater Staple!

When it comes to feeding freshwater fish, food quality matters more than most hobbyists realize. That’s why BRSfresh is excited to introduce San Francisco Bay Brand freshwater fish foods, a name brand trusted by aquarists for decades. 

Although San Francisco Bay Brand carries a wide variety of frozen & dried foods, we'd like to take a moment to highlight one of our personal favorites: frozen bloodworms.

What Are Bloodworms?

Despite the name, bloodworms aren’t actually worms. They’re the larval stage of non-biting midge flies (Chironomidae). Their bright red color comes from hemoglobin, which allows them to survive in low-oxygen environments in the wild. This same trait makes them highly nutritious and protein-rich, making them perfect for many freshwater fish species.

Frozen bloodworms are simply harvested bloodworms that have been cleaned and flash-frozen to preserve nutrients while reducing the risk of parasites or harmful bacteria.

Why Feed Frozen Bloodworms?

1. High in Protein

Bloodworms provide essential amino acids that support growth, muscle development, and overall vitality.

2. Encourages Natural Feeding Behavior

Their shape, movement (when thawed), and scent trigger strong feeding responses, even from picky eaters!

3. Great for Breeding Tanks

Many breeders use bloodworms to condition fish for spawning thanks to their rich nutritional profile.

4. Cleaner & Safer Than Live Foods

Frozen varieties significantly reduce the risk of introducing parasites or pathogens into your aquarium.

5. Long Shelf Life

Frozen foods stay fresh and nutritious in your freezer for many months, making them perfect for smaller setups or as occasional treats.

Which Fish Love Bloodworms?

Most freshwater fish will be delighted with a bloodworm treat! Some common bloodworm afficionados include:

• Bettas
• Tetras
• Rasboras
• Gouramis
• Angelfish
• Discus
• Corydoras
• Loaches

And most community omnivores and carnivores! Even some shy or newly introduced fish will often accept bloodworms when they ignore other foods.

How Do I Feed My Fish Bloodworms?

Feeding frozen bloodworms is simple, but a few best practices will keep your tank clean and your fish healthy:

1. Thaw Before Feeding

Place a small portion in a cup of aquarium water and allow it to fully thaw. This prevents cold shock and helps disperse the worms naturally in the tank.

2. Feed in Moderation

Bloodworms are rich, so they’re best used as a treat or supplement—2 to 3 times per week is ideal for most fish.

3. Avoid Overfeeding

As with any uneaten foods, uneaten bloodworms can quickly degrade water quality. Only feed what your fish can consume within a few minutes.

4. Rinse, If Desired

Some hobbyists prefer to gently rinse thawed bloodworms in a fine net to remove excess juices, which can help keep nutrient levels and organics in check.

The Bottom Line

Frozen bloodworms are one of the easiest ways to boost nutrition, stimulate appetite, and add excitement to feeding time in your freshwater aquarium. When used in moderation as part of a varied diet, they can help your fish display better color, stronger growth, and more natural behaviors.

If your fish haven’t tried frozen bloodworms yet, don’t be surprised if feeding time suddenly becomes the highlight of their day.

Don't forget to check out the full San Francisco Bay Brand fish food lineup below!