As an experienced aquarist who’s kept both cichlids and shrimp for many years, I’ve learned the hard truth – most cichlids will definitely eat shrimp if given the chance. But don’t feel discouraged just yet! Let me share everything you need to know about keeping these species together.
The Quick Answer
Generally speaking, cichlids and shrimp don’t make good tank mates. Even the most peaceful cichlid species like rams have been known to snack on shrimp. However, there are some ways to potentially make it work with careful planning and the right setup.
Why Do Cichlids Eat Shrimp?
It’s really quite simple – in the wild, shrimp are at the bottom of the food chain. Most fish that can fit a juvenile shrimp in their mouth will eat them. Cichlids are naturally omnivorous predators with these instincts:
- They’re opportunistic feeders
- Have a strong hunting drive
- Will eat any smaller creatures they can catch
- Get more aggressive during breeding
Which Cichlids Are Most Likely to Eat Shrimp?
Based on extensive experience from the aquarium community here’s how different cichlids rank in terms of shrimp-eating likelihood
Highly Likely to Eat Shrimp
- Jack Dempseys
- Blue Acaras
- Blood Parrots
- Most larger cichlids
Moderately Likely to Eat Shrimp
- German Blue Rams
- Bolivian Rams
- Keyhole Cichlids
- Smaller Apistos
Least Likely to Eat Shrimp
- Very young/juvenile cichlids
- Well-fed cichlids raised with shrimp
Tips for Keeping Cichlids with Shrimp
If you’re determined to try keeping cichlids and shrimp together here are some tips that might help
-
Start with a Large Shrimp Colony
- Begin with 50+ cherry shrimp
- Let them establish and breed first
- This ensures some survival even with losses
-
Provide Lots of Cover
- Dense plants
- Rock caves
- Driftwood
- Places for shrimp to hide
-
Choose the Right Setup
- Larger tank (55+ gallons recommended)
- Well-planted
- Multiple hiding spots
- Established ecosystem
-
Test the Waters First
- Try with 1-2 cheap feeder shrimp
- Monitor behavior
- If they survive a week, might work
My Personal Experience
I’ve tried keeping different combinations over the years. Here’s what worked (and didn’t) for me:
What Failed:
- Putting adult rams with baby shrimp (total massacre!)
- Housing aggressive cichlids with any size shrimp
- Sparse planted tanks with nowhere to hide
What Sorta Worked:
- Young rams with adult cherry shrimp
- Heavily planted 55-gallon tank
- Starting with large shrimp colony
Alternative Options
If you’re worried about your shrimp becoming expensive fish food, consider these alternatives:
-
Separate Tanks
- Keep cichlids and shrimp in different tanks
- Best for breeding either species
- No risk of predation
-
Shrimp-Safe Fish Options
- Tetras
- Rasboras
- Corydoras
- Peaceful community fish
-
Larger Shrimp Species
- Bamboo shrimp (grow to 3 inches)
- Amano shrimp (harder to catch)
- Ghost shrimp (less expensive if eaten)
Final Thoughts
While it’s technically possible to keep some cichlids with shrimp, it’s definitely risky business. As one forum user hilariously put it: “I’ve found that dead cichlids can be kept with shrimp successfully!”
If you’re dead set on trying, remember:
- Choose peaceful cichlid species
- Start with lots of shrimp
- Provide plenty of hiding places
- Be prepared for some losses
- Monitor closely
But honestly? Your best bet is probably keeping them in separate tanks. Both species will be happier, and your wallet will thank you for not turning those expensive cherry shrimp into fancy fish food!
Disclaimer: Every tank is different, and individual fish personalities can vary. What works in one setup might not work in another. Always observe your fish’s behavior and be ready to separate species if needed.
Feeding Tips and Overfeeding
Feeding African Cichlids requires understanding their dietary preferences and nutritional needs. As they typically consume small shrimp, insect larvae, tiny snails, small fish, algae, and other plant materials in the wild, it is crucial to mimic their natural diet for optimal health.
Using high-quality, nutrient-dense food such as pellets specifically formulated for African Cichlids is essential. Frozen food, including brine shrimp and mysis shrimp, can be fed occasionally as a supplement to their diet. However, avoid feeding them bloodworms, as they are difficult to digest.
African Cichlids should be fed in small, frequent portions rather than large amounts of food at once. Overfeeding can lead to issues such as poor water quality, weight gain, and unhealthy digestive systems. To avoid overfeeding, remove any uneaten food within a couple of minutes.
When feeding African Cichlids, it is vital to avoid food that is high in fat since their digestive systems cannot tolerate fatty foods. Additionally, be mindful of the different dietary needs of different African Cichlid species, as some may require more plant-based food while others might be more carnivorous.
Maintaining a regular feeding schedule further optimises the health and well-being of African Cichlids. While the frequency of feeding depends on factors like fish size and age, two to three times daily is generally recommended for most species.
In conclusion, providing a varied and nutritious diet and monitoring the feeding habits of African Cichlids will ensure their optimum health and growth. Avoiding overfeeding and providing species-appropriate food are key aspects to consider in maintaining a thriving African Cichlid tank.
Peacock cichlids, belonging to the Aulonocara genus, are some of the most visually stunning and peaceful fish an aquarist can add to their freshwater aquarium. To ensure that these beautiful creatures display their vibrant colours and maintain overall health, providing them with a diet that meets their particular needs is crucial.
In their natural habitat, peacock cichlids primarily consume small invertebrates, insect larvae, and bits of algae and plant materials. This omnivorous diet serves as a guideline for aquarium owners when selecting suitable food for their fish.
A nutrient-rich diet for peacock cichlids should contain an appropriate balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and essential minerals. A high-quality pellet or flake food designed for cichlids will provide this balance along with the essential vitamins and minerals. Notably, Fluval Bug Bites Cichlid Fish Food is regarded as one of the best options for cichlids, as it is formulated with high proteins, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients.
In addition to these prepared foods, supplementing the peacock cichlids’ diet with natural sources of food, such as small shrimp, bloodworms, and spirulina flakes, will help promote variety and stimulate their foraging behaviour. Introducing live or frozen options can also enhance their natural colours.
While feeding peacock cichlids, avoiding fatty and greasy foods is necessary since their digestive systems are not tailored to handle excessive macronutrients. Overfeeding can also lead to health issues; therefore, feeding them small portions two to three times a day is recommended, ensuring all food is consumed within a few minutes.
In summary, providing peacock cichlids with a balanced diet that mimics their natural food sources, combined with high-quality, specially formulated cichlid foods, will ensure their vibrant colours, proper growth, and overall health in your aquarium.
Lake Victoria is home to a diverse and fascinating group of cichlids. The water in this lake is alkaline and hard, with a pH ranging from 7.8 to 8.6 and general hardness (GH) between 2-8. Many aquarists are eager to replicate this unique environment in their tanks, providing an ideal habitat for African cichlids to thrive.
The natural diet of African cichlids in the wild varies greatly depending on the species. Some are primarily herbivorous, consuming algae and plant materials, while others are omnivorous or even predatory, feasting on small fish, shrimp, insect larvae, and tiny snails. Because of their diverse dietary needs, it is crucial to research the specific preferences of the Lake Victoria cichlid species you are keeping to ensure that they receive the proper nutrition.
Various high-quality commercially prepared cichlid foods are available to promote optimal health and growth for the Lake Victoria cichlids. Flake and pellet foods, such as TetraCichlid Cichlid Flakes and Hikari Cichlid Gold Floating Pellets, are ideal for daily feeding and can provide the necessary vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Ensure that the chosen food has a wide range of ingredients to cater to both herbivorous and carnivorous cichlids.
In addition to commercial foods, supplementing your cichlids’ diet with fresh or frozen vegetables can be beneficial. Spirulina, peas, lettuce, and other greens can provide essential nutrients and promote healthy digestion. This is especially important for herbivorous species, which require a higher amount of plant-based food in their diet.
Lastly, to maintain the health and well-being of your Lake Victoria cichlids, proper tank maintenance and water quality management is essential. Regular water changes and the consistent monitoring of pH, temperature, and water hardness will ensure a stable environment that closely mimics their natural habitat in Lake Victoria. By paying close attention to both diet and habitat requirements, you can keep your African cichlids happy, healthy, and thriving.
Iron and Omega 3
Iron is another essential nutrient that aids oxygen transport through the bloodstream, ensuring the proper functioning of the fish’s organs. When choosing food for your African Cichlids, looking for products containing sufficient amounts of iron 3 is crucial. Furthermore, Omega 3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that promote healthy brain function, immune system response, and overall well-being. Algae and other plant materials found in the fish’s natural habitat provide a good source of Omega 3 fatty acids 4. Additionally, specially formulated cichlid flakes and pellets often contain these nutrients as well.
To summarise, a balanced diet for African Cichlids should include the following nutrients:
- Protein: Essential for muscle growth and overall health
- Biotin: Contributes to healthy skin, scales, and fins
- Beta-carotene: Enhances natural colour vibrancy
- Stabilised Vitamin C: Supports the immune system and overall well-being
- Iron: Aids in oxygen transport and proper organ function
- Omega 3: Promotes brain function, immune response, and general health
You can ensure their proper growth, health, and well-being by providing your African Cichlids with a diet rich in these essential nutrients.
How to keep SHRIMP with CICHLIDS! – Yes it is possible
FAQ
Can cichlids eat shrimp?
Can shrimp live with peacock cichlids?
Peacock Cichlids should not be kept with small, delicate fish that can easily become prey, such as Neon Tetras, Guppies, and shrimp such as Yellow goldenback shrimp.
What is the best shrimp for African cichlids?
African Cichlid Food
Another great choice for feeding african cichlids is Mysis-Feast®, a concentrate of PE Mysis shrimp that are high in omega fatty acids.
Do yellow lab cichlids eat shrimp?
Food & Diet
Therefore, their diet should mainly be protein based. High quality fish flakes and fish pellets that are formulated for African cichlids are highly recommended. You can also feed them premium quality frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and krill as occasional treats.