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

[gigas12]

Hi,yes insects are part of most,if not all predatory fishes diet.

 

[alexmuw]

What about the chances of parasites?

Has anyone ever had a situation where their fish will no longer eat pellets after having a taste of live food? (Had a blue dolphin cichlid that starved itself to death because I wouldn't feed it anymore earthworms)

I have a 8 inch, 6 month old Trimac, but I''ve been hesitant on feeding it live food.

Thanks for the feedback!!!

Any thoughts to these questions?

 

[Larz]

Here in the south we get Japanese beetles every summer. Thousands of them will flock to any light source at night. I use them as a great source of cheap protein, and I've never had a fish (fresh or salt) refuse them.