Most South American cichlids, including angelfish, rams, severums and oscars, do best on a varied diet of quality pellets or flakes plus frozen and live foods. Match the food size to the fish and add some plant matter. Dwarf species like rams and apistogramma need smaller foods than large oscars.
Staple Foods
- Pellets or flakes: a good cichlid or tropical staple with fish or shrimp near the top of the ingredients
- Frozen foods: brine shrimp, daphnia and mysis shrimp for dwarf species
- Bloodworms: a favorite for most, but offered as a treat because they are fatty
Plant Matter and Treats
Many South American cichlids benefit from some plant matter in the diet, such as spirulina flakes or blanched zucchini and peas. Avoid mammal meat such as beef heart; it is high in fat and hard for fish to digest, and it can foul water quickly.
How Much and How Often
Feed small portions one to two times a day, only what is eaten in about two minutes. Young fish can eat more often in smaller amounts. Remove leftovers, and do regular partial water changes.
Food by Type of Cichlid
- Dwarf cichlids (rams, apistogramma): tiny pellets, frozen daphnia and brine shrimp
- Angelfish and discus relatives: flakes or small pellets plus frozen foods
- Oscars and large cichlids: large pellets with occasional treats such as shrimp
Related Reading
See the best food for ram cichlids and color-enhancing food for cichlids for species details.
Bottom Line
Feed a quality staple, rotate frozen foods, add a little plant matter and keep portions small. Always check your species’ needs, because diets vary a lot between dwarf and large cichlids.
