About feeding a cichlid
Cichlids span herbivores (like mbuna) and carnivores (like oscars), so matching the food to the species matters — feeding a herbivorous African cichlid a protein-heavy diet causes serious digestive disease (bloat).
How much should a cichlid eat?
Aquatic feeding is measured as a share of body weight per day, adjusted to the two-minute rule. The chart below uses about 1% of body weight daily.
| Body weight | Food per day (~1% of body weight) |
|---|---|
| 20 g | 0.20 g/day |
| 100 g | 1.0 g/day |
| 180 g | 1.8 g/day |
| 260 g | 2.6 g/day |
| 340 g | 3.4 g/day |
| 420 g | 4.2 g/day |
| 500 g | 5.0 g/day |
What to feed
Herbivorous cichlids need spirulina/vegetable-based foods; carnivorous ones need protein pellets and frozen foods. Never feed mammalian meat.
How often to feed
Feed once or twice a day to the two-minute rule; large predatory cichlids can be fed less often.
Frequently asked questions
What do cichlids eat?
It depends on the species — herbivorous cichlids (many African mbuna) need vegetable-based food, while carnivores like oscars need protein pellets and frozen foods. Feeding the wrong type causes bloat.
How often should I feed cichlids?
Small cichlids once or twice a day; large predatory cichlids like oscars can eat every day or two. Always use the two-minute rule and avoid mammalian meats.
How much should I feed my fish?
Only what they finish in about two minutes, once or twice a day — usually a pinch. As a rule of thumb, most community fish eat around 1-1.5% of body weight daily; large slow fish like goldfish need less.
How often should I feed aquarium fish?
Once or twice a day for most species, with one fasting day per week. Fry and very active small fish need more frequent small feedings.