can you feed cichlids leeches?

[PolyptRus]

I know you can feed them worms but what about leeches? Would that be a bad idea?

 

[jlk]

I think I would skip the leeches. Not for nutritional reasons because Im sure they are fine nutritional source but if even a single one of these guys winds up uneaten in your tank, your going to have some problems trying to erradicate them. It just takes one leech to wind up with a vile infestation of them. And they are REALLY hard to get rid of. But, on the flip side, I dont keep cichlids so maybe these guys would keep the leeches in check.

 

[PolyptRus]

If i put in one at a time making sure each one gets eaten would it be alright?

 

[jlk]

Leeches are in the same family as earthworms although leeches are just slightly mildly toxic due to the anticoagulant (blood thinner) they contain. They likely have about the same protein levels as earthworms (+/- 80%). I know fish in the wild eat them but I have no clue how your tank-kept buddies would handle them. Hopefully, some of the other cichlid owners have a better idea!

 

[PolyptRus]

Thanks maybe i will stick to worms