cichlids frys keep nibbing off my tiger lotus leaves. What to do?

[ngochuynh]

my plants have been doing fine with 10 cichlid frys, but since I introduced some tiger lotus, they keep nibbling off the leaves, what should I do. I know that cichlids don't go well with plants, so I'm thinking of removing these cichlids and put in some discus. Is it a good idea?

[Rex Grigg]

The cichlid family is one of the largest families of fish in the world. Try and be a bit more specific about which cichlid.

[ngochuynh]

they are african cichlids. I can't me more specific because they are baby fishes that my wife got from her friend. We didn't bother to ask what kind they are

[Rex Grigg]

Many of the African cichlids are herbivores. And there is nothing you can do to stop them from eating your plants.

Also getting fish and not knowing what they are is not the best idea. There are fish from Africa that require soft water and many hard water fish.

[ladyhorse]

I've had a similar problem with the Cichlids, only mine are adults. Same situation - somebody gave them to me a few years ago and I have no idea what variety they are. The adult males are about the size of a silver dollar and are white. The females are smaller, white, with a little orange here and there. Granted, I don't know what they are, but they are thriving. However, I am just getting into live plants and these guys are making me crazy! There do seem to be some plants that they don't go for as much, but they've made shreds of some of the others. Does it help any to put algae wafers in the tank every day? Or will they just eat the plants anyway? Are there any Cichlid-proof plants?