cichlids not eating

Question
we have several ciclids 3-jack dempsey's, 2-firemouths, and a convict. every payday as a treat to the fish we get them 2 dozen guppies. they usually eat them in a matter of 10-15 mins., but this time they haven't. although the will eat the shrimp or pellets that i have been dropping in the tank. my question is - Is this normally? or is there something wrong with my fish or could it be maybe the ph is to low/high or the ammonnia? they dont seem to be stressed but i am afaird something wrong. if you have thought please email back thanks.

Answer
Hi Tara,
I have found that all cichlids can be very moody at times and sometimes they just don't feel like eating as much on certain days. You always want to keep a close watch on them though to make sure they aren't getting sick or anything. A lot of times cichlids can get bored with chasing feeder fish around -- I've experienced this plenty of times. Actually feeder fish isn't always the best thing because they can carry diseases -- unless you raise your own or quarantine those that you buy.

At least they are eating the shrimp and pellets -- this obviously means that they are probably just fine -- they just aren't in the mood for live fish. It shouldn't be anything wrong with the water unless you are seeing stress symptoms in your fish. Of course it wouldn't hurt to test your water and make sure your ammonia and nitrite are both ZERO and your nitrate is 20 or less.

Best of luck and I hope this helps!!
Karen~