The
Enchytraeidae are a
microdrile oligochaete family. They resemble small
earthworms and include both terrestrial species known as
potworms that live in highly organic
terrestrial environments, as well as some that are
marine. The peculiar genus
Mesenchytraeus is known as "ice worms", as they live in
glaciers and will die if exposed to temperatures a few degrees above freezing. Apart from these, the best-known
species is probably the
Grindal Worm (
Enchytraeus buchholzi), which is commercially bred as
aquarium fish food.