Fishing Leech Maintenance
As specialists in leech biology we have prepared the following to help those
of you directly involved in caring for the medicinal leech for fishing purposes.
The two most important things to avoid are heat and chlorinated tap water.
Leeches can live for months on a blood meal so feeding is unnecessary.
Temperature
The leeches will survive quite happily in a refrigerator or in a cool place, provided the temperature does not exceed 25˚C. Special care and attention should be taken to avoid sudden temperature changes. Keep them as cool as possible until they are needed. Never put leeches into direct sunlight.
Water
For best results we would recommend using bottled (still) spring or mineral water (preferably the Welsh type!) or alternatively de-chlorinated tap water can be used. When changing the water please ensure that the replacement water is the same temperature as the original.
Container
A lid is essential. Leeches are amphibious and like to crawl about. Perforations are advised but they must be very small indeed, as the leech body is elastic and capable of going through remarkably small openings. A jam jar with cloth cover secured tightly with string, rubber band or alternatively our containers (5020F) would be advisable. Do not overcrowd, the greater the amount of water, the less it needs changing. For best results we would recommend no more than two leeches per 250ml container but if you have the space to store them individually all the better.
of you directly involved in caring for the medicinal leech for fishing purposes.
The two most important things to avoid are heat and chlorinated tap water.
Leeches can live for months on a blood meal so feeding is unnecessary.
Temperature
The leeches will survive quite happily in a refrigerator or in a cool place, provided the temperature does not exceed 25˚C. Special care and attention should be taken to avoid sudden temperature changes. Keep them as cool as possible until they are needed. Never put leeches into direct sunlight.
Water
For best results we would recommend using bottled (still) spring or mineral water (preferably the Welsh type!) or alternatively de-chlorinated tap water can be used. When changing the water please ensure that the replacement water is the same temperature as the original.
Container
A lid is essential. Leeches are amphibious and like to crawl about. Perforations are advised but they must be very small indeed, as the leech body is elastic and capable of going through remarkably small openings. A jam jar with cloth cover secured tightly with string, rubber band or alternatively our containers (5020F) would be advisable. Do not overcrowd, the greater the amount of water, the less it needs changing. For best results we would recommend no more than two leeches per 250ml container but if you have the space to store them individually all the better.