Abstract
Locomotory and respiratory movements of Tubifex tubifex (Muller, 1774) were observed in aquaria by filming living worms and analysing the videotapes. Worm galleries formed a network and the tubificids moved in all directions in their muddy substratum. Over half stayed in the mud for about 2 minutes; most stayed at the surface less than one hour. Many specimens were able to stay deep in the mud for more than five hours. The periodic return of tubificids to the surface, the duration of their stay there, the length of the body protuding from the mud and tail waving are a function of their respiratory needs.
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