Duncan7 Posted November 5, 2009 Report Share Posted November 5, 2009 Has anybody else noticed this? Ive kept a couple now and they seem to be one of the fussiest cichlids ive had. The latest one, which is similar to prev, started off eating as many blood worms as he could, now cant really be bothered with them... Now normally this wouldnt worry me but he doesnt eat cichlid sticks or sinking hikari gold either, doesnt look at prawn or the occas peice of beef heart... Had him eating flakes a while ago and i think he would again, but that was in a separate tank and where he is now has an overflow and the flakes would just shoot over that, so would rather avoid them. I know that they are slow growing, but do they have growth spurts or times when they dont eat so much? Has anyone else noticed similar behaviour in theirs? Any suggestions for another food to try? TIA Duncan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livingart Posted November 5, 2009 Report Share Posted November 5, 2009 is it looking like it is losing weight? some fish can pig out until they get a good weight then just eat enough to maintain it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duncan7 Posted November 5, 2009 Author Report Share Posted November 5, 2009 No not losing weight or wasting away yet, only had him a month or so, just a small 2.5-3 inch specimen. wouldnt expect him to reject bloodworms tho. Just reading on net that they can be picky eaters, need a varied diet... just have to try a few different things i guess. To have a pair would be so cool! Such awesome fish, just so slow growing! (even worse when they go off their food!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
herefishiefishie Posted November 5, 2009 Report Share Posted November 5, 2009 All fish should get a varied diet. Bloodworms are no where the best food for a start. Just check to make sure your water quality is fine. Frenchy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duncan7 Posted November 5, 2009 Author Report Share Posted November 5, 2009 All fish should get a varied diet. Bloodworms are no where the best food for a start. Just check to make sure your water quality is fine. Frenchy Any suggestions for a good food then? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David R Posted November 5, 2009 Report Share Posted November 5, 2009 Try some of that Biosuppliers frozen discus tucker (or cichlid tucker). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
herefishiefishie Posted November 6, 2009 Report Share Posted November 6, 2009 I don't know what is available in NZ.... I use frozen mysis shrimp & to a lesser extent brine shrimp, spirulina flake, a couple of brands of sinking pellets in a couple of different sizes. All I have really ever used. Have you tested your water? Fish could be bored, could of been spooked. Try some dither fish to create comfort so to speak. Frenchy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duncan7 Posted November 6, 2009 Author Report Share Posted November 6, 2009 I havnt tested the water and havnt for years, its always seemed ok, the tank (4 foot) is well established running a good sump and a decent canister, not overstocked at all, possibly under if anything, the clown loaches are happy as is the other inhabitants, (angels, convict, JD), i would assume the cichlids would be the more robust of the two. Just got a load of live daphnia today, he is chowing down on that Will look out for the frozen mysis shrimp and see if i can find any. The more reading i do on the net, the more it crops up that they are often picky. I guess ill just have to keep mixing it up, im sure everyone will benifit from added variety in the diet. Thanks for the help. Duncan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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