Will Cichlids Eat Shrimp? A Detailed Look at the Shrimp-Eating Habits of Cichlids

Cichlids are one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish, known for their bright colors, diverse shapes and sizes, and lively personalities. These fish originate from the tropical lakes and rivers of Africa and South America. With over 2000 species, there is a huge variety when it comes to their care One common question that aquarists have is whether cichlids will eat shrimp or not

In this in-depth article, we will explore the shrimp-eating habits of various cichlid species to help you determine if shrimp can safely co-exist with your fish

An Overview of Cichlid Diets

Cichlids are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. Their natural diets consist of algae, plant debris, insects, small crustaceans, worms, and sometimes even small fish. The majority of cichlids are opportunistic feeders and will eat whatever food is readily available.

In the aquarium setting, most cichlids readily accept flake or pellet foods designed for tropical fish. However, to keep them healthy and bring out their vibrant colors, it is recommended to supplement their diets with meatier frozen and live foods. Common supplemental foods include brine shrimp, bloodworms, and tubifex worms.

So how do shrimp fit into the picture? Let’s take a closer look.

Will African Cichlids Eat Shrimp?

The most common types of cichlids kept in home aquariums originate from Africa’s Rift Valley lakes. This includes species like electric blue cichlids, yellow labs, kenyi cichlids, peacocks, and mbuna.

These African cichlids tend to be more aggressive and territorial compared to other types of cichlids. In the wild, they will eat small crustaceans like shrimp, either actively hunting them or just opportunistically as they come across them.

Therefore, most African cichlids will readily eat small shrimp added to their tank. Species like electric blue cichlids and peacock cichlids are especially voracious and may hunt down shrimp relentlessly.

Certain shrimp-safe African cichlids do exist, which we will cover later in this article. But generally, shrimp and African cichlids are not recommended tank mates. The shrimp will likely become expensive snacks!

What About American Cichlids?

South American or American cichlids include angelfish, oscars, convict cichlids, rams, and more. Compared to African cichlids, these species are generally calmer and less aggressive. Many are substrate spawners who focus more on breeding than establishing big territories.

That being said, they are still opportunistic omnivores who won’t pass up meaty foods like shrimp. Convict cichlids and oscars, in particular, are known for their powerful appetites and could decimate a shrimp population. Angelfish may ignore very small shrimp but eat larger varieties like ghost or cherry shrimp.

Certain shrimp-friendly American cichlids do exist. German blue rams, for example, can safely live with red cherry shrimp as long as hiding spaces are provided. But mixing shrimp and New World cichlids does carry risks, so proceed with caution.

What Shrimp Can Live With Cichlids?

While most cichlids see shrimp as food, there are some species known to largely ignore shrimp, or only eat them occasionally. These cichlids make the safest options if you want to create a mixed community tank. Here are some top choices:

• Dwarf cichlids like kribensis, keyhole cichlids, and rams are small, peaceful species that may ignore or only occasionally nip at shrimp.

• Panda cichlids are sometimes referred to as shrimp-safe. However, they may eat baby shrimp and harass large adult shrimp. Proper tank setup is key.

• Severum cichlids are considered one of the most docile cichlids. Their calm temperament makes them less likely to hunt shrimp aggressively.

• Discus fish have a reputation for being gentle giants. They may ignore or only occasionally eat small shrimp.

To increase the odds of shrimp surviving with cichlids, there are some tank setup tips to follow:

• Choose larger shrimp species that are less likely to be viewed as food, like amano shrimp.

• Provide lots of decor and caves so shrimp have places to hide if feeling threatened.

• Feed cichlids well so they are less motivated to hunt shrimp for food.

• Introduce cichlids first, then add shrimp once the cichlids have established territories.

• Have backup housing available and be prepared to remove shrimp if attacked.

Cichlids That Should Never Be Housed With Shrimp

While some cichlid species can potentially live with shrimp, there are others notorious for aggressively hunting and eating them. Avoid keeping shrimp with the following types of cichlids:

• African mbuna cichlids like zebra cichlids, yellow labs, and kenyi cichlids

• Very large or aggressive American cichlids like oscars, jaguars, red devils, and midas cichlids

• Pike cichlids and jewel cichlids known for lightning-fast attacks

• Most substrate spawning cichlids during breeding times due to heightened aggression

• Any cichlid species kept in an undersized tank, which can trigger territorial behavior

Simply put, these types of cichlids will demolish shrimp in record time. It’s best to steer clear of shrimp if you want to keep these carnivorous species.

Providing a Balanced Cichlid Diet With Shrimp

For cichlids that can live with shrimp, incorporating shrimp into their diet can provide substantial health benefits. Shrimp offer:

• High-quality protein for growth and maintenance of muscle tissue

• Important micronutrients like iodine, selenium, and B vitamins

• Natural pigments to enhance cichlid coloration

• Great enrichment since cichlids enjoy hunting live foods

That said, shrimp should never make up the bulk of a cichlid’s diet. Feed them in moderation along with a quality cichlid pellet or flake as the staple food. Good supplemental foods include vegetables like zucchini and spinach, along with brine shrimp and bloodworms.

Avoid overfeeding shrimp, as uneaten remnants will quickly decay and foul the water quality. Target feedings 2-3 times per week for most cichlids. Reduce frequency for sedentary species or fish on the chunkier side.

Making Shrimp and Cichlid Communities Work

While risky, housing shrimp with predatory cichlids can work with careful planning and tank setup. Here are some top tips:

• Choose larger, hardy shrimp species. Amano and ghost shrimp stand the best chance of survival.

• Avoid expensive, delicate shrimp that would be disappointing losses.

• Give shrimp ample hiding places among rocks, driftwood, and plants.

• Provide cave-like decor and overhangs near the substrate for bottom-dwelling shrimp.

• Arrange decor to break up lines of sight and create visual barriers.

• Ensure the tank is large enough to establish multiple territories and dissipate aggression.

• Distract cichlids with caution during feedings so shrimp can access food.

• Have backup housing available to isolate victims if needed.

• Closely observe interactions and be prepared to remove shrimp if necessary.

With close monitoring, selective stocking, and proper setup, shrimp and cichlid communities can be successful. But sudden incompatibility can occur, so always have a backup plan ready.

Key Takeaways on Shrimp and Cichlid Compatibility

To recap the key points from this article:

• As omnivores, most cichlids will eagerly eat shrimp, viewing them as tasty snacks.

• African cichlids tend to be the most shrimp-aggressive, while dwarf species are calmer options.

• With proper precautions, certain peaceful or shrimp-safe cichlids can live with shrimp.

• Avoid housing shrimp with notoriously carnivorous or aggressive cichlid varieties.

• Shrimp should be fed in moderation as just one component of a healthy cichlid diet.

• Give shrimp ample hiding places and breaks in line of sight for best results.

• Monitor all interactions closely and have a plan to separate shrimp if needed.

While it carries some risks, housing shrimp and cichlids together can work for experienced aquarists. Knowing the dietary tendencies of your particular cichlids is key before attempting this combination. With prudent planning and close observation, you can potentially create a thriving mixed community tank.