Food for Cichlid Fish

Cichlids are often regarded as one of the most popular tropical fish species, and as a result, they are one of the most sold pet fish on the market. One aspect that makes the cichlid different from other common aquarium fish is its reputation as a fierce carnivore with its variety of colors and sizes depending on which continent it came from. With some effort on your part, learning what foods to feed your pet cichlid can be a rewarding and satisfying experience.

  1. Fish Fry

    • Feeding your cichlid an assortment of fish fry each week (about four to five fry) helps satisfy the carnivore needs of your cichlid. By feeding these fish fry, you will also provide valuable stimulation needed for your cichlid's mental health.

    Algae

    • Cichlids are omnivorous despite their well-known carnivore reputation and require a combination of meat and plant food. To help supplement their diet, ensure that some of your tank's naturally grown algae is in large chunks for your cichlids to eat. When you clean your tank with an algae scrubber, make sure some chunks are left on some substrate and are not floating in the water, as cichlids can only consume algae on substrate (rocks and plants). They can't eat free-floating algae, because they break up and are too small for them to consume.

    Fish Pellets

    • Cichlids are like any fish and need a large variety of vitamins, minerals and fiber to keep them healthy. Generic cichlid fish pellets serve as the backbone of your pet cichlid's diet by providing them, and it should be fed a pinch of these pellets each day.

    Corn

    • Corn is an invaluable food for pet cichlids because of its high fiber and protein content. Cichlids require a higher fiber intake due to their carnivorous stomachs which process more than just algae and fish pellets. Due to the extra strain on the stomach and their digestive tract, feeding your cichlid extra fiber (which strengthens digestive systems) is essential for a cichlid's health.