Peasei cichlid diet

[Fishguy679]

How fast do these guys grow at different stages? Like do they grow super fast to a certain length then slow down?

 

[Fishguy679]

I think the real challenge with these fish are avoiding over feeding on a constant basis resulting in health issues.

Seriously ive put more effort into making sure he doesnt over eat than anything else. Have to feed tankmates with after lights out or with tongs. I used to use a pvc pipe to keep him away while the other ate.

I feed a mix of nls therA , algaemax, omega one kelp rounds, romaine, peas (gotta start again) just ordered some northfin veggie pellets to add to the mix.

Post some pic of the little guy !!

They really are great fish mine was always hard to keep with othwr cichlids for the most part he's either too aggressive or not aggressive enough but very interactive and intelligent. I'll dig up some older vids when was a complete pain in the rear end. Now hes calmed down a bit

Well if he has any problems with his tankmates I'm gona remove them the problem fish from the tank my tank is pretty much built around the pearsei, and if I feed my fish 2 large meals a day and he gets a potbelly after each one is that a problem? He's my favorite fish and I really don't want to loose him.

 

[Fishguy679]

He had it in for this pleco from day 1....not much he could do to a fish that was covered in spikes besides get all torn up, eventuallyhad to rehome the pleco...smh such a nice looking fish. I coulent feed at lights out due to my work schedule at the time

I thought they were supposed to be a peaceful fish lol, hopefully mine doesn't end up being too aggressive, s far he's not but I heard these guys get more aggressive when they out some size on.

 

[jaws7777]

Cant say much regarding howuch you should feed him as i tend to feed on the lighter side.

They grow fast. Mine slowed down in the length dept but is getting wider.

 

[duanes]

Mine hit between 13" and 15" in two years, and had to be moved to a 300 gal, they became really cramped in my 150 gal.
They are peaceful, but if cramped, like anyone in a tiny jail cell, attitudes get testy.

 

[jaws7777]

Mine hit between 13" and 15" in two years, and had to be moved to a 300 gal, they became really cramped in my 150 gal.
They are peaceful, but if cramped, like anyone in a tiny jail cell, attitudes get testy.

I've been meaning to pm you this quesrion but figured it may pertain to op's thread so i will ask here.

The past 6 months have been crazy and the fish took a back seat. They were basically fed once or twice a week. His growth has slown down since. Could have have caused some permanent growth stunting ? Or can this be resolved now that im back on the horse ?

 

[duanes]

I doubt it would create permanent stunting, most fish go thru feast or famine periods in nature where food may be scarce for weeks or months. Both these species do have a very long digestive tracts in order to get the nutrients ithey need from very nutrient poor, but high fiber diets. They (along with species like Etroplus suratensus) were some of the only fish I kept, that I fed daily to make up for the lack of nutrients in leafy terrestrial foods. And as somebody said above, because of it, they create a lot of fibrous waste, so I also had to do daily vacuuming.