When it comes to selecting just the right fish for your aquarium, cichlids are probably the first fish that comes to our minds. With the personality and beautiful colors that are part of their physical persona comes the added cost of feeding them and providing them with the right amount of nourishment.
The balance of nutrients and diet that goes into their bodies will determine their health and enhance vibrant colors that are embedded in their skins. Cichlids are the types of fish that will eat anything that you give them. Within the cichlid family, you can find anything. These species range from carnivores, herbivores, omnivores, planktivores, and detritivores. Meaning it does not care whether it eats meat, plant, worm, or any other fish.
However, to make your aquarium look majestic and cichlids fish full of color and persona, the right amount of diet is necessary. In this article, I will tell you about what sort of food you can give to cichlid. The food will ensure your fish gets the right amount of diet, which is imperative for their proper nourishment. We will share the reviews of experts on different cichlid foods.
The Complete Cichlid Diet
Before we delve into the market products that are available broadly, let us understand what type of ingredients are necessary for the proper nourishment of cichlids.
Food Source
The most important thing when you are looking for cichlid food is that its ingredients must have an aquatic origin. Companies synthesize artificial products that claim to have the same properties compared to an organic or naturally occurring food source. So, this should be your number one priority. Cichlid fish has limited digesting capability, so if you are something inorganic. This has a non-aquatic origin, and it would pass down as waste or cause health complications.
Type of Cichlid Species
As mentioned earlier, the cichlid fish family comes in forms based on their source of food. So, if it is a carnivore, you must feed it with meat. The meat should be rich in nutrients and easily digestible. Cichlids love to prey on insects. Meat sources like black soldier fly larvae, dried ground, and crickets for this category of cichlids are perfect.
For herbivores, plants that are rich in proteins, fibers, and minerals should be opted for. Fish living in the wild love to eat blue-green algae. Other human foods, such as broccoli, lettuce, peas, cucumber, etc. Such foods are rich in ingredients like minerals and vitamins. For omnivores, a balanced diet must be given. They contain a sufficient quantity of meat and plant food sources. Items that can be found in one’s kitchen offer plenty of nutrients and minerals for cichlid growth and development.
Additional Nutrients
Among trace amounts of nutrients required by cichlid fish, it includes omega 3 and 6, which are fatty acids. Such nutrients are readily available in algae and larvae. These are essential nutrients that help reduce inflammation, aid growth and brain development and provide energy. Also, insoluble fibers must be in their diet as they facilitate the fish in process of digestion. Salts increase energy and digestion. Various research by marine biologists has shown that increased salt in fish diets leads to an improved growth rate. Food ingredients such as shrimp, algae, yellow snap beans, and carrots. The items contain carotene, which is a compound that gives color. Food sources that are rich in such content prove to be effective for enhancing the pigmentation and coloring of cichlid fish.
Wholesome Diet
Fish in the wild never eat the same thing repeatedly. It is essential to stick to a wholesome diet that offers nourishment, growth, and one which does not make cichlid fish. So, it’s crucial to feed cichlid one type of food per feeding/meal. Now, as I have explained what is massive for a cichlid, what to eat, and what not to eat, it’s high time we start with some of the best expert reviewed food items that are available across the world in stores, eBay, Amazon, etc. Each product has its pros and cons due to the addition of synthetic products along with naturally occurring ingredients. So, let us get started.
Jacksuper Fish Feed
Available at Amazon for $14/1000ml, this fish feed can be used for a variety of fish families. It enhances cichlid pigmentation, boosts immunity, and strengthens fish muscles. Its ingredients are dried and frozen shrimp. The mineral constituents are as follows. 60% Protein,8% Fat,10% Fiber,6% Moisture. The fact indicates a balanced diet for cichlid and is fed to the omnivore class of cichlid. It contains a wide variety of minerals. On the other hand, many users have found it to be large-sized, and the cichlid tears it apart, which is not an issue for most people.
Fluval Bug Bites
This product is rich in black soldier fly larvae. This makes it rich and full of proteins and nutrients. It is rich in Omega 3 and 6, which gives it the capability to serve as a wholesome food that ensures healthy skin, scales, and fins. Moreover, it is fortified with essential vitamins, amino acids, and minerals for a balanced daily diet. It is one of the top-rated fish food products on Amazon, and most of its ingredients come from the organic and aquatic environment. It can be fed as much as fish wants within 2 minutes under their preferred depth. Other essential ingredients include potato and wheat. This combination of all these essential minerals and products makes it a wholesome diet for cichlids. It can be easily digested by cichlids and ensures that cichlids are full of health and energy.
Human Products
Kitchen vegetables, such as lettuce, cucumber, carrots, and peas are perfect. The food is essential for cichlids as they are full of fibers, proteins, and trace minerals. For herbivore cichlids, they are the best food to offer. They offer the same nutrients as the algae to a cichlid in a wild environment. However, they should be administered. For cucumbers and carrots, they should be chopped off and converted into smaller and tiny pieces. If the green veggies are hard, they should be first chopped into smaller pieces and then boiled to make them easily digestible for cichlids. It is up to you if you administer them in the form of ice-cubes or after boiling them.
TetraColor PLUS Tropical Flakes
This product is a staple food that is available on Amazon. It comes with a variety of ingredients, and it has essential properties. The food contains carotene and other pigment enhancing ingredients that enhance the beauty and color of cichlids. Its balanced food formula makes it unique to offer support to your fish’s immune system for optimal health and long life. Due to the presence of fewer eaten particles, waste generation is low. The fact helps in maintaining the cleanliness of aquariums. For maximum results achievement, you should feed it to your cichlid two times a day. Although it has fantastic reviews from customers and users, one disadvantage is it might make your aquarium cloudy. Other than that, your cichlids will love it.
Repashy Super Green
Being a plant-based product, it is essential for herbivores. Due to the presence of carotene, it is fantastic in making the cichlids look more vibrant. The only problem with this product is that you have to mix it with water before administering it to the cichlids in the aquarium. It has a pungent smell as well. However, it is loaded with color enhancing products, and it is perfect for herbivore cichlids.
API Algae Eater
This algae-based product is one of the top sellers on Amazon. Due to its organic and natural origin, it is best for feeding the herbivore family of cichlids. It is made with a nutrient-rich blend to provide algae eaters with a complete and balanced diet and includes algae. Some of its features include the color enhancing ability. For best results, feed the fish twice a day, and the amount should be sufficient for cichlids to consume within 2 hours.
Ocean Nutrition Spirulina Flakes
A 4.5/5 rated Amazon product, these flakes are derived from 100 percent natural products and are great for boosting the health, pigmentation, and growth of omnivores and carnivorous cichlids. It has rapidly digestible qualities making it to be one of the top foods for cichlids. For cichlids having African origin, this product works great for color development. Also, the fiber ingredients in it help with bowel movement and rapid digesting. Many users have reviewed it as one of the best products available online.
New Life Spectrum AlgaeMax
Top of the line herbivore cichlid diet, this product is one of the best you will get for the minimum budget. Available for $22, this diet is characterized by high-density algae pallets. The food offers the best amount of nutrition, growth, and color development. As it is easily digestible, it helps to keep the aquarium clean and tidy. The bottom line is there are many cichlid food items available over the counter. However, the best one is the one that suits your cichlids. Many products that work great for African cichlids may not work well for your cichlids. You must know what the origin of cichlids is, whether they are flesh-eating or plant-eating. Take all of these into account. You can decide which one serves your fish the best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which product should I feed to my cichlids?
Well, it depends upon which type of cichlids you have in your aquarium. If it is a carnivore, only feed it meat-based products such as shredded shrimps or black soldier fly larvae. If it is a herbivore, stick to a plant-based diet. Provide a balanced diet.
How much should I feed to my cichlids?
You should at least feed them two times a day. Under the worst-case scenario, cichlids can go on for a week without eating. However, to maintain their health, growth, and color, you should feed them different food each day, which they can easily consume within two hours.
My cichlids are losing their color. What should I do?
The loss of pigments by cichlids is often attributed to a low nutritious diet that might not contain omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and other trace minerals. The food is rich in trace minerals and nutrients that can help reverse the depleting pigments. Another factor is that your cichlids might be over-stressed due to the environment. So, make sure to clean the aquarium after an appropriate amount of time.
