feeder fish

Question
Hi,
I have 2 female Kenyi Cichlids. I was told that a diet mainly of feeder fish would help them to grow faster. Is this true? I know experts do not condone feeding feeder fish, due to the fact that they are often diseased, but I would be breeding my own.
Thank you for you time!

Answer
Hi Justine,
 Hmmm... I don't know why someone would tell you that.  Kenyi are primarly algae grazers.  They aren't even equipped with a mouth that can process feeder fish very well.   

 Feed them a good quality flake food, ideally one high in spirulina algae.  Completely avoid the feeder fish (and possibly seek your advice somewhere else than the person that told you to feed them feeder fish).

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>