What To Feed Finicky Parrot Cichlid?

[vaindioux]

Hi
 
I have a large parrot cichlid that is alone in a 55ga tank. I have had him for over 2 years since he was a baby. My problem is that I have an algea problem and I just realized its because he wastes a lot of food. I have tried freeze dried tubifex worms, cichlid flakes and cichlid floating pellets. He will grab a little and waste the rest. I don't have time to go buy live food, my LFS is too far. At this point I even wonder how it survives on so little food. He is healthy and does not appear to be too thin.
 
Thanks with some tips
 
Patrick

 

[mrstwalker]

The best advice I can give is feed less. Feed him about the amount he is normally eating. And that is okay! Or maybe smaller meals a few times a day? 
 
Also, make sure his temperature is ok for this type of fish. If the water is on the cooler side for this type of fish, that will probably slow down his eating. The warmer the water, the more frequently he needs to eat. 
 
You probably know this already, but thats about all I know to tell you! Good luck!!

 

[vaindioux]

The temp is at 79 degrees Fahrenheit, I think it's fine for him. I have already reduced the amount I feed him.
 
Thanks so much for the answer. Anybody else has an idea?
 
Patrick

 

[gmc1]

Have you tried beef heart.i use frozen beef heart with brine shrimp for mine.always keep a stock in freezer.they never leave any.i mix my food up a lot wth them.flakes.pellets.live.frozen.they are very messy fish as you know.

 

[vaindioux]

No I haven't tried beef heart. Do you buy it at the grocery store and cut it up and freeze it yourself or do they sell it prepackaged at the LFS?
 
That's something I should try.
 
Thanks
 
Patrick

 

[gmc1]

Yeah it comes pre packaged.delivery or from lfs

 

[vaindioux]

Thanks fish fanatic, I will try it.
 
Patrick

 

[BiggTexx]

Mine is voracious when it comes to those freeze dried brine shrimp cubes.  He is only about 4.5" and would devour 4 of the cubes every few hours if I let him.

 

[Tongue_Flicker]

Too bad you can't do live food. No picky eater can resist the appeal of live food