I know that a high protein diet is not healthy for african cichlids. But one does desire to have fast growing cichlids so they can be big and pretty. Searching for products to do this safely for the fish I have found something made by Sanfransisco Bay brand called cichlid chow. Its made from turkey heart instead of beefheart so its leaner and less fat. But it also has a very high percentage of protein in it. Cichlid chow is also infused with other vitamins and minerals and contains spirulina as well. It claims to be safe for african cichlids as well. Does anyone have any experiance with this product? Would it do the job without the health concerns.
High protein for african cichlids
- Thread starter Sirspifalot
- Start date
I will piggyback on this thread...I have been known to feed my Africans very small crabs and ghost shrimp captured locally in the bay. Is this a good idea or a bad one?
Also, how about peeling a frozen shrimp from time to time and chopping it up?
Also, how about peeling a frozen shrimp from time to time and chopping it up?
All good questions. It's all relative to what kind of African Cichlids we're talking about.
For example, Mbunas can not take a high protein diet because they eventually get bloat due to their digestive system.
While on the other hand, Peacocks can take the higher protein, but after a while they too eventually get bloat. Why are you in such a hurry to help them grow? Just give them an nice tank to grow in and feed them regularly and they'll at least be alive.
I only feed my African's once a day if you can believe that. It cuts back on water changes and bloat. It's also good for their Digestive system and it saves me lots of time.
Good luck,
Richard
P.S. I would remove the shells because you don't want to take any chances with their delicate digestive systems. Maybe South Americans can take the shells.
For example, Mbunas can not take a high protein diet because they eventually get bloat due to their digestive system.
While on the other hand, Peacocks can take the higher protein, but after a while they too eventually get bloat. Why are you in such a hurry to help them grow? Just give them an nice tank to grow in and feed them regularly and they'll at least be alive.
I only feed my African's once a day if you can believe that. It cuts back on water changes and bloat. It's also good for their Digestive system and it saves me lots of time.
Good luck,
Richard
P.S. I would remove the shells because you don't want to take any chances with their delicate digestive systems. Maybe South Americans can take the shells.
And the fish I am feeding are haps, a front and a couple labs. Those labs go ape over the crustaceans!
In answer to the first question...it is only moments before everyone on this board directs your attn to NLS food. Trust me, the wave is coming...
Dude, that's all I feed my Africans and I have over 500 of them from adults,juvi's to fry.
It's the Shizzisle!!! Of course I mix it up once in a while and even pick one day out of the month for them to fast too.
RM
It's the Shizzisle!!! Of course I mix it up once in a while and even pick one day out of the month for them to fast too.
RM
I've been using a combination of NLS and hikari's excel, gold, and bio gold. They scarf all of them
Omega 1 foods are quality. no matter which you end up going with. Also, the natural diet of fronts includes cyprichromis, so they should not be included when saying your fishes don't appreciate a high protien diet. I also only feed my fish once a day, and try to fast them once a week- once every other week.
have you tried the NLS "growth" formula? It has 50% protein but its small because its for juvies.