If you’re having trouble deciding between a few different cichlid pellet foods, you can read our reviews of several popular brands. Listed below are Aqua Master Cichlid Crisps, Hikari Cichlid Gold Sinking Pellets, Omega One sinking pellets, Black soldier larvae, and more. We’ve also included a comparison chart of their ingredients to make it easier for you to choose the best cichlid food.
Contents
Aqua Master Cichlid Crisps
For a healthier tank, you may want to consider switching from live foods to pellet food. While live foods can sometimes cloud the water, pellets can provide a wholesome diet without all the extra work. These pellets contain shrimp and dried krill along with patented health-enhancing ingredients. The unique color of these pellets is a result of concentrated algae extract and contains natural chemicals to improve color and taste. Plus, they’re also infused with a probiotic, which helps improve the digestion and health of your fish.
Another type of food for cichlids is the Tetra-type. The floating pellets swell as the fish feed, but don’t cause your tank to become murky. Plus, the pellets won’t be left uneaten, which makes diet planning much easier. It’s the best of both worlds, as they won’t leave any food unconsumed. These tasty treats are available in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Hikari Cichlid Gold Sinking Pellets
Designed for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums, Hikari Cichlid Gold is an excellent daily diet for your cichlids. These pellets are rich in special color enhancers that will help them develop the proper form and beauty of larger tropical fish. This formula also contains high levels of carotene and NS Germ, which are essential nutrients for the growth of vibrant and healthy tropical fish.
The unique formula of these Hikari Cichlid Gold sinking pellets is formulated to support colouration and growth in carnivorous cichlids. High levels of carotenoids in these pellets will help your fish develop the right colour and remain beautiful, even when washed out. High protein levels in these pellets will promote a robust immune system and improve the resistance of your fish to stress and disease. The sinking pellet format reduces swim bladder problems and ensures that Hikari Cichlid Gold won’t dissolve or cloud aquarium water.
Omega One sinking pellets
This premium fish food is available in a variety of sizes to suit a variety of different cichlid types. These pellets feature unsurpassed nutrition, palatability, and color enhancement. Omega One sinking pellets for cichlids come in three sizes to meet all of your feeding needs. Choose between small, medium, and large pellets to feed your cichlids.
The best part about the Omega One cichlid pellets is their excellent color enhancement. The pellets have the same balanced nutrition as the existing cichlid line, but the taste is unmatched. You can easily feed your fish with this pellet and still keep them happy and healthy. You can feed your cichlids with live food, like brine shrimp or bloodworms, and Omega One sinking pellets for cichlids are the perfect addition to any diet!
Black soldier larvae
Scientists have discovered a novel protein source in the form of black soldier fly larvae. The larvae are harvested and processed at low temperatures to lock in nutrients and retain pellet integrity. The larvae are unique in many ways. The slender, jet black body, with two long, sturdy antennae resembles the wings of a wasp, but are entirely harmless. The larvae feed well on a variety of substrates, including food waste.
The nutritional value of black soldier fly larvae is unrivaled. The larvae are fed on decaying organic materials such as manure. Scientists have also attempted to transform the larvae into a defatted meal. This process involves cutting the larvae into a smaller size so that the fat can leak out of the internal cells. The resulting product contains 40 to 44% crude protein and variable fat. This protein source can replace fishmeal in some cases.
Homemade cichlid food
A great homemade cichlid pellet food recipe is European Shrimp Mix. This recipe is highly regarded by many breeders and recommended by Ad Konings in his book, Enjoying Cichlids. It is supposed to improve the coloration of Cichlids, give them size, and help them mature. Some aquarists use this as their sole cichlid food while others add it to flake food.
African cichlids are very hungry and will eat almost anything if given the chance. Normally, you do not have to feed them very frequently, but they will rise to the top of the tank and demand to be fed. However, it is important to remember that the food that you do give them must be completely consumed by your cichlids or it will cause an ammonia spike and may even damage the filtration.