Red Wigglers vs. Earth Worms

In an aquaponic system, worms can play a vital role in helping break down left over plant matter and fish solids. Red Wrigglers are the preferred choice for aquaponics and are different from earth worms in the following ways:

Common Name	Red Wrigglers	Earth Worms
Alternative Name(s)	redworm, brandling worm, panfish worm, trout worm, tiger worm, red wiggler worm, red californian earth worm	night crawler, over 2,700 different kinds
Scientific Name	Eisenia foetida	Eisenia hortensis
Place of Origin	Europe	North America
Food Preference	Plant compost	Dirt
Environment Preference	Near the soil surface	Deep in the soil
Behaviour Traits	Preference for plant compost, castings make nutrients more bio-available	Good for soil aeration, bringing nutrients down into the soil, mixing soil
Where to Get	http://www.justaquaponics.ca/red-wiggler-worms-1lb/	Backyard, sidewalks
Comments	Can be seen as an invasive species	Preference for dirt means although important for vermicomposting they are not as effective as red wrigglers

For further reading:

https://www.bae.ncsu.edu/topic/vermicomposting/pubs/vermicomposting_earthworm_q_and_a.pdf
http://www.whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/compost/Redwormsedit.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invasive_earthworms_of_North_America
http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/compost/Redwormsedit.htm
http://home.howstuffworks.com/vermicomposting1.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthworm
http://urbanext.illinois.edu/worms/facts/

Picture belongs to RedWormComposting.com.