Feeding african cichlids with goldfish food

[axeplayer9]

I've got three Electric Yellow cichlids and I'm currently feeding them goldfish pallets since it's really tough to find suitable Cichlid food around here.

[Cobyx]

Take a closer look at the ingredients of that goldfish pallet and compare them to a standard cichlid food. I had a similar situation with some free cichlid food I got from a local pet store's anniversary party - I don't even keep cichlids, but I figured why not. When I checked the ingredients, they were pretty similar to Formula II.

Cold water fish food tends to have higher fat and protein content, so that's one thing to consider. The brand and ingredients of that goldfish pallet will be key in determining if it's suitable for your Electric Yellows.

[axeplayer9]

Unfortunately I'm not in the US, which makes it even tougher to find suitable cichlid food, I'm stuck with limited options.

[Cobyx]

I'm not getting what's the big deal about comparing ingredients, does it really make a difference?

[riverbank]

I order my cichlids' food online, specifically Hickory Gold Pellets, works great for them.

[axeplayer9]

I'd order the cichlid food if I were you. My cichlids do well on Hickory Gold Pellets, works great for me. Regarding goldfish pallet, color enhancers might be a concern, could affect your Electric Yellows.

[Cobyx]

From what I'm aware, color enhancers in goldfish pallets shouldn't have any other impact on the fish apart from the color aspect.

[dakora]

I've been using goldfish flakes for my cichlids, they tend to have lower protein content which I think is helping, I've got a decent stock going with about 100 labs and two more sets on the way

[codefly9]

What's in those goldfish pellets, anyway. Yellow labs, sunnygolds - whatever you want to call them - are herbivores, and they rarely sell the right food for them in stores. You'll probably have to order online for them. They're lake Malawi Mbunas, so a proper pellet should have spirulina and other veggies in it. I'd make sure they're not full of fillers like wheat flour, that's just a waste. They love fresh zucchini, by the way. Cut it into spears, freeze overnight, thaw, and they'll go crazy for it. My Mbunas are obsessed with zucchini. You can even grab seaweed at an Asian market, use an aquarium food clip, and give that a try. If you've got the time - I don't - you can grate up some veggies, add seaweed, like peas, zucchini, carrots, spinach, and romaine lettuce. Freeze in small bags, thaw in tank water, and serve.