[charboog]

Hi,

I have a pretty standard feeding question that has probably been answered before. If so, can someone direct me to where I can find the answer please!!

I have a single Front in his own tank and he is about 9" long, and probably 3 to 4 years old. Now that he is in his own tank and I don't have to worry about feeding mbuna too much protein, I'm wondering what the best diet would be for him, as well as how much I should be feeding him. I sometimes feel like he should get more food, but I don't want to overfeed. Is there a guideline for feeding a Front based on their size, that I can follow??

Currently, I am feeding him emerald entree and mysis shrimp for breakfast and flakes and tropical granules for dinner.

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[lloyd]

a frontosa of that size, is past the point, where flakes and mysis will easily satisfy his appetite. IME, you risk compromising water quality by attempting to maintain it on such small foods. bigger predators, in particular males, do not scour 24/7 for feed. they much prefer to eat once, then lay back for a day or more. much of your small feed is likely falling to waste after it's initial feeding interest. i would suggest to slowly introduce new, bigger portion feeds. perhaps a slow sinking carnivore pellet in the 3mm range, or consider whole krill, ocean shrimp (the kind we eat in salads, etc.), earthworms...
your fish might appear to eat less, once it starts to feed regular on larger portions, so do not be too concerned if it skips a meal or two. always remove uneaten portions of fresh meats within 12 hours of offering. HTH.

 

[charboog]

Thanks for the info. I'll have to go online to find the sinking pellets, not much choice where I live. I think the LFS might have krill. So, do I feed him as much as he'll eat at one time? My biggest concern has always been overfeeding and causing bloat. I have noticed that once in awhile he'll skip a meal. It's nice to know that that's nothing to worry about!

I really appreciate your help

 

[lloyd]

I'll have to go online to find the sinking pellets, not much choice where I live. I think the LFS might have krill.

look for frozen whole krill at the LFS--not the freeze dried stuff. you may also have some excellent feed options at your local fishmonger. the reason so many of us rely on pellets, is because we risk high rates of spoilage via transport/delivery/storage. being so close as you, to an ocean shore, would fatten both myself and my fishes with overindulgence of seafoods.

So, do I feed him as much as he'll eat at one time? My biggest concern has always been overfeeding and causing bloat.

if the food hit's the floor, the portions might be too big. if he cleans up after, it would be no problem, but if the food can be lost into the substrate, then feed less more often. my adult frontosa, have no problem eating anything smaller than my pinky finger, and most are ready to eat again within the hour.
IMO, bloat risks are increased with poor water quality--not overeating. although, it could easily be assumed, that the first (overeating) is indeed a catalyst for the latter. if you decide to fatten up a fish, it would be prudent to also increase it's water changes, to assist with removing the increased 'end' results of your (fish's) efforts. pun intended. :lol:

 

[charboog]

Thanks again. I guess I can feed him all he wants as long as I let nothing sit in the tank???? I do want him to grow, but I don't want him to sink to the bottom!!!!

 

[lloyd]

I do want him to grow, but I don't want him to sink to the bottom!!!!

frontosa are not renowned for becoming obese fish. most likely, he should always be a bit leaner than you might prefer. as i type this, i am looking at a header advertisement for 'the afishionados' (one of our best canadian sources for fish :thumb: ), and the cypho pictured in that ad, looks about as fat as i would ever want mine. HTH.

 

[charboog]

I'll keep that in mind. I REALLY appreciate your posts. Have a great day!!! :fish:

 

[ronster]

You might find that your Front will not eat for days on end, considering he has the 'whole cake' for himself. He will choose when to eat that will suit himself. Especially now he will be getting bigger and better portions :thumb:

 

[charboog]

He had gone 3 days without eating. I started to get worried and then he ate again! It's good to know that Fronts do that. I've never had an mbuna stop eating before!

 

[Razzo]

I feed my adult fronts every other day and sometimes I will skip two days and feed on the thrid day. You will find that your fronts perform better for you when skipping a day. BTW: I use NLS sinking pellets (Spectrum Thera +A). I buy it in the bulk size (80.3 oz) from JEHMCO. I also buy my freeze dried mysis & krill from JEHMCO too. Come to think of it, I buy my meds from them too. They are a site sponsor - check out their banner if interested.

Russ

 

[charboog]

Thanks. I'll check out the website. I've been trying to find somewhere to buy sinking pellets. :thumb: