All About Pisces True Bugs – Live Mealworms

Overview

Pisces True Bugs – Live Mealworms are nutritious feeder insects commonly used for reptiles, amphibians, birds, aquarium fish (certain species), small mammals, and even as bait. They are the larval stage of the darkling beetle (Tenebrio molitor) and are known for their long shelf life, high protein content, and ease of use.

Pisces (an Australian brand) is known for raising clean, well-fed, gut-loaded live mealworms suitable for pets of all kinds.

Key Features

• High Protein: Excellent for growth, breeding, and energy.

• Gut-Loaded: Usually raised on nutrient-rich bran and greens for better nutrition.

• Long Lifespan: Can remain in larval stage for weeks when kept cool.

• Clean & Odorless: Pisces mealworms are known for minimal smell and frass.

• Great For Many Pets: Ideal for fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, hedgehogs, hamsters, sugar gliders, etc.

Nutritional Profile (Approx.)

• Protein: 18–22%

• Fat: 13–17%

• Fiber: 2–3%

• Moisture: 62–65%

• Ash: 1–2%

(Values may vary based on diet and size.)

Suitable For

Aquarium Fish

Only for larger carnivorous or omnivorous species such as:

• Oscars

• Arowana

• Flowerhorn

• Large cichlids

• Pufferfish

Note: Avoid feeding to small fish due to size and tough exoskeleton.

Reptiles

• Bearded dragons

• Leopard geckos

• Skinks

• Turtles

• Monitors

Amphibians

• Frogs (large species like Pacman frogs)

• Toads

• Salamanders

Birds

• Mynas

• Chickens

• Ducks

• Finches & softbills

• Wild birds during breeding or winter

Exotic Mammals

• Hedgehogs

• Sugar gliders

• Hamsters

• Gerbils

Benefits

• High-energy treat for quick nourishment

• Stimulates natural hunting instinct

• Easy to store and maintain

• Gut-loading enhances nutritional value

How to Store Pisces Mealworms

Short-Term (1–2 weeks)

• Keep in a plastic container with air holes

• Bedding: bran, oats, or wheat meal

• Provide moisture: slices of carrot, apple, or potato

• Keep at room temperature (20–25°C) to keep them active

Long-Term

• Refrigerate at 8–12°C

• Slows metabolism & extends life

• Take them out weekly to warm up and feed for gut-loading

How to Feed to Pets

• Dust with calcium or vitamin powder for reptiles

• Use feeding tongs for precise feeding

• For fish:

  • Offer only one worm at a time

  • Preferably break or crush head for safety

• Do not overfeed due to high fat content

Precautions

• Mealworms have a hard chitin shell – avoid overfeeding to pets with weak digestion

• Remove uneaten worms from enclosures

• Avoid feeding to very young reptiles/fish

• Always gut-load for maximum nutrition

Lifecycle Stages

1. Egg

2. Larva (mealworm) – feeder stage

3. Pupa

4. Beetle (darkling beetle)

You can even breed them easily if needed.

Common Uses

• Daily supplement for reptile diets

• High-energy food for breeding birds

• Live prey for amphibians

• Occasional treat for mammals

• Fishing bait