Chubby African Cichlid

Question
Hi!

I have a 30 gallon tank housing 5 African cichlids of various types. I am using a biowheel 350 filter, in tank heater, and doing biweekly water changes and using something called special blend to help in between water changes. Temp is between 78 and 82, nitrate/nitrite ph ammonia all okay.

I am feeding them a veggie flake food and have romaine lettuce hanging in the tank for them to munch on. Occasionally (once or twice weekly) will give them some spiruliana enriched frozen brine shrimp which I allow to thaw in a small cup of their tank water before offering it to them, as they are greedy and I am afraid they will eat too big of a piece.

My question is that one of them eats ALOT very quickly and afterward has a large belly. He hasn't ever shown signs of Malawi bloat, although I lost a mbuna to bloat about a month ago. None of the other fish exhibit this problem and it does not seem to effect his attitude or behavior. Is he just eating so much so quickly that it is protruding his stomach, or do you think there might be more going on? A few hours after feeding his stomach is still visible but not as big. They get fed 3 times a day, morning noon and night. All stools are normal, not trailing behind or white looking. Any help will be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving!
Kay

Answer
Hi Kay,
 The bulging is normal.  Feeding them three times a day is a lot. Most people feed only once a day.  If you are feeding three times a day, be sure that you are only feeding them a little. Cichlids should never be fat -- it is very unhealthy for them.

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