Feeder Fish

Question
My fish are now about full size, 2 jack dempsy's full size, a convict full size, an oscar 7-8 inches , a bumble bee cichlid still young, and a motoguense mid size, and i want to feed them live food being all are natural predators what are your feelings about feeder fish, being diseased and short lifed, are they ok to feed fish?

Answer
Hi Brandon:  I have never been a fan of feeding live fish to other fish nor watching it.  The fish gain nothing from live prey because the modern fish food is so complete.  I do not think that it is worth the risk to introduce fish into your tank that may bring with them a disease, parasite, or fungi.... I do work in an aquarium and part of my job is to sell feeder fish, ghost shrimp, brine shrimp and live worms to people who feed them to their fish... I keep cichlids and I love them very much as pets... my 12 inch oscar loves peas... who would have thought... but I have laid the basis of the argument out for you and like at work... I will let you decide... I hope this helps... if you'd like more input... let me know... dave