Different types of Nightcrawlers
European Nightcrawlers
The scientific name for european nightcrawlers is Esenia Hortensis. The european nightcrawlers
was introduced to the United States in the early 90's from Europe. The majority of the European
Nightcrawlers in the United States are being imported from Europe.
European Nightcrawlers are also called Big Reds and Belgium Nightcrawlers. European
nightcrawlers are sold for fishing worms around 3 to 4 inches long. They will grow up to 6 to 8
inches long. European nightcrawlers are more active than Canadian nightcrawlers and don't have
to be refrigerated like Canadian nightcrawlers. European nightcrawlers has become a very
popular fishing worm.
European nightcrawlers are raised just like red worms. They reproduce slower than red worms but
are much larger which makes them better for fishing.
Grey Nightcrawlers
The scientific name for Grey Nightcrawlers is Amynthas Gracilus. The grey nightcrawlers are also
called Alabama Jumpers. Grey nightcrawlers are very active nightcrawlers they will flip, bounce,
and jump whenever you dig them up. Here in South Alabama grey nightcrawlers are raised outside
under shade trees in large beds. Some of the beds are maybe 2 to 3 acres in size. Grey
nightcrawlers are dug and hand picked from these large beds.
Grey nightcrawlers like a dirt base bedding mixed with some organic matter like peanut hulls, cow
manure and old hay. Grey nightcrawlers make a great fishing worm.
African Nightcrawlers
The scientific name for African Nightcrawlers is Eudrilus Eugeniae. It's a tropical nightcrawler
which limits it to mild or warm conditions. African nightcrawlers will start to die when the
temperature drops below 45 degrees. African nightcrawlers reproduce very fast. African
nightcrawlers can produce 2 eggs a week with 3 to 5 babies per egg.
African nightcrawlers are large nightcrawlers. They are general sold to fisherman at 6 to 8 inches
long. They can grow up 10 to 12 inches long. African nightcrawlers do not require refrigeration. If
you are looking for large nightcrawlers that don't require refrigeration the African nightcrawler is
what you want.
Canadian Nightcrawlers
The scientific name for Canadian nightcrawler is Lumbricus terrestris. Canadian nightcrawlers are
the largest nightcrawlers on the market. Canadian nightcrawlers can't be raised in captivity.
Canadian nightcrawlers are hand picked in the North from fields and golf courses. They are then
carried to bait wholesalers to be sold and distributed across the United States. Canadian
nightcrawlers are very large some are 6 to 8 inches long and as big around as a mans finger. The
biggest draw back to Canadian nightcrawlers is they have to be kept cool. Like in a refrigerator or
an ice chest. Canadian nightcrawlers make a excellent large fishing worm.