Is it ok to feed your cichlids earthworms? and other bugs?

[AfricanCichlidFan]

Today I wen't in my backyard and I was working on the garden and I saw an earthworm, I was thinking if I should feed it to my fish or not? So I kept him in a cup..and I wen't home to check with you guys?

 

[duanes]

I've been feeding carnivorous fish earthworms, slugs and any other insect I find for over 40 years, however, I do not use any pesticides in my yard.

 

[AfricanCichlidFan]

So you think I should put the worm in my CA tank?

 

[woofy]

the concern always with feeding backyard critters to fish is always just if the yard has pesticides or not,other than that the earthworm would be fine.

 

[TangoWRX]

I totally agree with the others. They are great for your fish, just as long as long as they are not covered in chemicals

 

[Scubarod]

the concern always with feeding backyard critters to fish is always just if the yard has pesticides or not,other than that the earthworm would be fine.

I agree. i have feed my fish earthworm and beetles for years. never had a problem. but i know that i do not use any artificial fertilizers or pesticides in my yard. if you are not sure go to your local bait shop and get some nightcrawlers......your fish will love them....my Do

 

[dogofwar]

Can anyone point to an instance - their own or someonen else's - where a pesticide or fertilzer-laced worm or bug has caused death or harm to their fish?

 

[Marowana420]

i think you have to consider if your neighbours use pesticide. if your town or city bans pesticide like mine did you have less to worry about.

i have read that someones aro died when they sprayed a roach, it ran up a wall then fell into the tank and his aro snapped it up instantly. then fish died.

 

[Pyramid_Party]

I normally dont feed wild bugs I cantch around my house, but I am so tempted. Its cause I know where they come from and what they've been exposed to. I caught a cricket last night and went for it, my JD loved it! She destroyed that cricket. And I dont see any problem with my fish.

 

[Otherone]

Can anyone point to an instance - their own or someonen else's - where a pesticide or fertilzer-laced worm or bug has caused death or harm to their fish?

Nope can't say I've seen or heard of any fish dying from pesticide/herbicide laced insects or worms. I have however watched many Koi, Goldfish, Cats sufficate from inexperienced landscapers cranking weed pre-emergence over outdoor ornimental ponds. And I've seen the same die from careless landscapers spraying pesticides into large trees not knowing the neighboring house had an outdoor fish pond. The overspray got into the ponds and killed the fish.