What phylum do vinegar eels belong to?

phylum Nematoda
Turbatrix aceti, commonly known as the vinegar eel, is one of the thousands of species belonging to the phylum Nematoda.

Is a vinegar eel a flatworm?

Vinegar eels are actually not eels at all, but a type of roundworm. Turbatrix aceti is a non-parasitic nematode commonly found in raw (unpasteurized) vinegar. They look like tiny worms, about 1/16 inch or 2 mm in length.

Where do vinegar eels originate?

Vinegar eels are usually present in raw vinegar that has been sitting around for a period of time – it’s just naturally what happens with raw vinegar. Since any liquid with sugar in it can eventually turn into vinegar when exposed to air, acidic and vinegary kombucha is also susceptible these organisms.

Do vinegar eels lay eggs?

The nematode’s reproductive system is sexual. Female vinegar eels have ovaries and produce eggs. A fertilized egg hatches in the uterus before leaving the womb. Vinegar eels give birth to as many as 45 babies every 8-10 days.

What kind of food does a vinegar eel eat?

Vinegar Eel. These free-living nematodes can be found in unfiltered vinegar and are often raised and fed to fish fry as a live food. They are about 1/16th of an inch (2mm) long and feed on the bacteria of apples, so apple cider vinegar is a great source of these yummy microworms.

How often does a vinegar eel give birth?

Vinegar Eel. The real name for a vinegar eel is Turbatrix Aceti. These Turbatrix Aceti are non-parasitic roundworms that live eat fungi and bacteria. The average life span of a Turbatrix Aceti is only ten months, but they give birth about every eight to ten days. In those eight to ten days they give birth to about 45 vinegar eels.

How did Pierre Borel discover the vinegar eel?

They were discovered by Pierre Borel in 1656. Their environment makes them exceptionally tolerant of variation in acidity and alkalinity and they may be able to tolerate a wider range than any other species, being able to survive from pH 1.6 to 11. Vinegar eels are often given to fry (baby fish) as a live food, like microworms.

Is it OK to put eelworms in vinegar?

Although they are harmless and non- parasitic, leaving eelworms in vinegar is considered objectionable in the United States and is not permitted in vinegar destined for American consumers.