Feeding bigger cichlids

[glolite]

There was recently a topic in the chit chat forum about not feeding fish every day.
My frontosa naturally gorges himself one day then is not interested in food the next. When I feed him fish such as chopped up prawns or krill etc., how much should he have? Tonight he had one large prawn chopped, but other fish helped him eat it so probably half a prawn. I know he won't want food in the morning but should I offer more tomorrow night or miss a day? He doesn't seem to eat as much as my sajicas (in a different tank) and they are much smaller fish.

 

[freddyk]

The best thing is to look at his diet in the wild, and it will give you an idea of how to go about feeding them.

Frontosa wake up before twilite to feed off of Cyprichromis, when they are still sleeping at the bottom. They often go without finding any, but when they do they run into a large school and gorge themselves. Likewise in the aquarium, after a predetor is fed as much as they will eat it's good to let a day or two go by before feeding them again.

 

[glolite]

Thanks freddyk (yet again!) your knowledge is much appreciated. I couldn't possibly face getting up at 4 in the morning but it's nice to know I'm not starving him.

Hang on.... you said twighlight, not morning I've just noticed, that's ok and explains why he's always mouthing at the glass around 9.30pm, bless him!! I've often given in and given him an extra pinch of higrow, now I'll feed him at thet time instead of morning. Double thanks.

 

[freddyk]

Well, I actually meant early morning - not sure what it's called if not twilite. Regardless, if you are unwilling to wake up every morning at 4:30 to feed your fish, maybe you just don't care enough.

Ha ha just foolin. Doesn't matter when you feed, I was more implying how they only feed once per day and even then don't find food every time.

 

[glolite]

I've been feeding three times a day for the cigar sharks as they are always hungry and at 4 inches are only 'babies'. Will cut back on feeding.