Won't eat

[ferdelance]

I have a rusty cichlid that doesnt eat, or eats very little. It is a juvenile only about 3 cm long. Otherwise, the fish appears healthy, keeps fins up, chases other fish, etc. Should I try different food? I have been feeding them just cichlidxtreme. :confused:

[jonah]

I'm not familiar with cichlidxtreme, but I would try a spirulina flake. Are you sure it's not eating when you aren't looking? Mine nibble at algae on the rocks all day. And they'll pick off the bottom as well. Blanched or frozen, then thawed, zuchinni or romaine lettuce is good too.

I know it's small, but I've had a electric yellow hold at under 1.5" (3.75cm). It doesn't have a bulge in it's throat does it? They'll sometimes eat small amounts even when holding eggs.

[SGypsyMermaid]

it would be better if you varied their diet--different foods provide different vitamins and minerals--you decrease the possibility of the fish not getting some essential nutrients if you alternate the foods that you feed them.

[ferdelance]

thanx for the advice. I obtained some frozen brine shrimp and other frozen food and the rusty is eating much better now. the other fish are also eating better. seems like they were bored with their diet. 8)