african ciclid

Question
I have a 10 gallon tank that has been running for over 6 months now, I have been keeping 3 african ciclids and a pleco. Two of the ciclids are about 1 1/2 inches, the other is 2 inches. I recently added another ciclid, similar species, but he is orange and bigger, 3 1/2 inches. He won't eat any of the ciclid flake food or pellets. He chases the little yellow ciclid around alot also. So what food should I get for this guy?

Answer
Hi Heather,

You didn't specify the species of Cichlid you have. However, with the
description of being bright orange, I assume that it's a Blood Parrot Cichlid.

Your Blood Parrot should be fed a combination of Cichlid Pellets/flakes, and Frozen/Live foods. Some won't accept the Pellets/Flakes, such as in your case, so feeding them with frozen food is ideal. I would recommend against using feeder fish or other small minnows, etc, because your parrot might not be able to catch it, and they often carry disease, which you might accidentally transmit to your Parrot.

You could also try fasting (not giving food) for 3 days. Cichlids can easily survive for well over a week without food. So abstain him from food for three days, and chances are, after three days, he'll probably eat again.

Since he is new, he's most likely stressed, so allow a few more days for him to get used to his surroundings. Also, try going back to the store and ask what they feed him, and perhaps buy some of the same food they use.