I get the impression many cichlid keepers feel most cichlids are carnivores, and need to be fed high protein pellets, Tilapia fillets, and the like.
But I believe very few cichlids are strict carnivores, and instead are omnivorous, and need vegetable matter in the form of algae, and other plant based products to help regulate digestion, and purge their gut, otherwise, certain intestinal diseases become problematic.
My bio-filter is also a sort of algae scrubber. and at times some of that algae clogs the pump, and needs to be removed, contrary to being slimy, it is quite fibrous, and makes great food for omnivores like G.T.s, as you can see, when I throw a clump in they go at it until its gone.
when in the states for most cichlids, I used a high in Spirulina pellet, leafy plants, and also grew algae in my back yard in summer to provide that needed plant matter.
Below a video of Etroplus suratensus eating dandelions.
Etroplus eating dandilions
and although many young cichlids need a carnivores diet at first, many like Cinielichthys pearsei and bocourti, and many Vieja will switch to mainly vegetarian, as young adults.
above bocourti eating hair algae, below dandelions
