Cichla are Piscavores and should be fed accordingly until; in my opinion from my experience and learnign from others, at least 6". though I have experimented as well.. Azoo arowana sticks were easy for me and they stay together better that anyother sticks i've used..
You bought a fish that requires experience and patience for it to thrive. And A willingnes to take care of them...
Training can take more than a month. And also requires live food as a piece of the training.. you could also starve them.. Some may die some may cross over to the food of your choice. it is up to you.Starving does not garauntee success, but has been for people in the past. Myself included with certain species.
My question is why do you own cichla? And is it worth keeping RIGHT or should you go a different direction

just some food for thought. As the pay off in cichla is a beautiful thing.
Buying food should be a happy thing. if not then maybe you have the wrong fish