Feeding question

[Piye]

Hello:

1 month fishkeeper/newbie here...I was curious. When I feed my fish, my goldfish want to eat all the time...but it's hard to get my cichlid to eat because he's guarding his rock...any advice?

 

[OrionGirl]

Goldfish and cichlid in the same tank? What kind of cichlid? Tank size/water parameters?

Goldfish and all the types of cichlid I am remotely familiar with are not a good combination. They prefer vastly different foods, pH and temperatures. Common goldfish will outgrow most tanks, as will many kinds of cichlids. The cichlid may not be comfortable coming out to feed, and the goldfish may be harrassing it.

 

[grace]

I was wondering the same thing.

Giving you the benefit of the doubt in that they are in separate tanks, you could try target feeding the cichlid. Using a clear turkey baster or a pair of tweezers you could bring the food right to the fish.

 

[TKOS]

Maybe some sinking food pellets dropped right next to the cave will allow him to eat when he is ready.

 

[cindywindy]

A healthy fish will not allow itself to starve. If there is food being given at regular intervals it will eat remnants from the bottom if need be. Are you sure your fish is not sick ?

In any case, I agree wholeheartedly with the rest of the statements here. Goldfish are coldwater fish with completely different requirements from cichlids, and you should consider doing research on each, and separating them in the near future. If your cichlid is living in incorrect living conditions and is not active, then it is probably under a significant amount of stress, leaving itself open to a host of stress-related diseases. The time to correct this is now, before you have to deal with it on a greater scale later.

 

[Piye]

Thanks for your input. Like I said...I am a newbie at fishkeeping and I am going to get another tank for my cichlid. I believe it is a yellow lab. I'm not sure I got it at walmart. I really like cichlids and that's why I bought it. Any advice on what conditions for my cichlid? Thx a bundle.

--Piye--

 

[OrionGirl]

I'm not that familiar with cichlids, but if you post your question on the cichlid forum, I am sure people will be glad to help you out.