Michigan Cichlid Association

General Category => Old World => Topic started by: bmarine on August 02, 2013, 04:55:18 PM

Title: Peacock/hap diet
Post by: bmarine on August 02, 2013, 04:55:18 PM

Do peacocks and haps need a different diet than mbuna? I'm currently feeding them a mixture of spirulina algae flakes and Dainichi Color Supreme.

Title: Re: Peacock/hap diet
Post by: African cichlid Keeper on August 02, 2013, 05:46:15 PM

I found this http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/peacocks.php

Taken from "The Peacocks of Lake Malawi" article available on this site by Mark Elieson

In the aquarium, Peacocks readily adapt to and accept almost any commercially prepared food. While they require animal protein in their diet, it is wise to also provide some Spirulina to keep their blue color looking its best. Similarly, a fish food with krill will maximize reds and oranges. All reputable cichlid foods contain an adequate amount of yellow pigment so as not to be a conscious concern in the selection of food. Frozen and live foods can be fed periodically but these are not essential. A quality fish food with high levels of protein will be sufficient. If used, frozen and live foods should only be used as supplements to a diet of flake and/or pellet foods. Also be aware that larger adults will need more than just flake food to keep them in optimal breeding condition. It is best to feed Peacocks only one to two times a day, and never more than they can consume in two minutes. Unlike Mbuna, whose aggression necessitates feeding several times a day, Peacocks have a mild temperament and are very undemanding. Consequently, their feeding regimen should be minimal and infrequent but consistent.

Title: Re: Peacock/hap diet
Post by: four_by_ken on August 02, 2013, 05:55:51 PM

I agree... except the 2 min time.  That is waaaay to long with Africans.  That will lead to fish being way over fed and a LOT of fish waste.

Title: Re: Peacock/hap diet
Post by: bmarine on August 02, 2013, 07:20:24 PM

So is my current food okay for them then?

Title: Re: Peacock/hap diet
Post by: African cichlid Keeper on August 02, 2013, 07:22:59 PM

Quote from: bmarine on August 02, 2013, 07:20:24 PM

So is my current food okay for them then?

yes

Title: Re: Peacock/hap diet
Post by: danielratti on August 02, 2013, 07:26:20 PM

I don't like to feed too much greens to haps and peacocks because they start to get them black marks on them. Once I cut back they go away.

Title: Re: Peacock/hap diet
Post by: bmarine on August 02, 2013, 08:52:20 PM

Gotcha, i just feed the flakes mostly for the smaller guys who can't swallow the pellets as easily.

Title: Re: Peacock/hap diet
Post by: four_by_ken on August 03, 2013, 10:45:16 AM

I feed my peacocks spirilina flakes everyday wth a little NLS for an after snack.

(No black spots)