What mbuna and peacocks eat (and why it isn't the same)

In Lake Malawi, each group of cichlids specialized in a way of eating. That's why the same food doesn't suit all of them equally, even in a shared tank.

Mbuna: rock scrapers

Many mbuna, like the Red Zebra, spend the day scraping the layer of algae and tiny organisms that covers the rocks. In the aquarium, a diet with a good share of plant matter is usually recommended: foods with spirulina or other algae, and less animal protein.

There are exceptions, though: the Chipokae hunts invertebrates among sand and rocks, and the Electric Yellow has its own diet. Check each species' profile before generalizing.

Peacocks: hunters in the sand

Peacocks, like the Benga peacock, detect small invertebrates buried in the sand. In the aquarium they take higher-protein foods: quality pellets for carnivorous cichlids and, now and then, frozen food.

That's why they do well with fine sand, where they can "hunt" as they would in the lake.

What if they share a tank?

Mixing them is common and can work, but it takes more care with food:

• Choose a balanced staple food without excess protein.
• Give the higher-protein food in small amounts, near where the peacocks feed.
• Watch who eats what: mbuna are usually faster and hog the food.

How much and how often

• Small portions, once or twice a day, finished within a couple of minutes.
• One fasting day a week is a common practice among keepers.
• Remove leftovers: rotting food makes the water worse.

Overfeeding, or too much protein, is linked to digestive problems in some mbuna. If a fish stops eating or bloats, separate it and ask someone experienced or a fish vet before medicating.

What do you feed yours, and how has it gone? Tell us in the forum and log your routines in My aquarium.