Food buying guide

Best food for Cichlids (general)

Best food for Cichlids (general). 6 picks across budget tiers + feeding frequency + species-specific notes. Varies by species (herbivore, omnivore, carnivore) diet, 2-3 small meals daily, what they eat in 1-2 minutes.

Top picks (6)

1

New Life Spectrum Cichlid Formula Premium $15/300g

The gold standard for omnivore cichlids. No fillers, color-enhancing. Sinking pellet.

2

Hikari Cichlid Gold (Mini-Sticks) Mid $10/250g

Most-popular cichlid food. Mini-sticks for smaller cichlids; standard sticks for adults.

3

Northfin Cichlid Formula Premium $15/250g

Krill + spirulina mix. Excellent for color enhancement.

4

Spirulina flakes/pellets (Mbuna) Specialty $8/100g

Mbuna are HERBIVORES - high-protein diet causes Malawi bloat. Spirulina + nori only.

5

Frozen mysis + krill Treat $5-8/cube

For omnivore + carnivore cichlids. 2x weekly supplement to staple pellet.

6

Repashy Super Green Premium gel $30/lb

Vegetable gel food. Excellent for mbuna + tropheus.

What to avoid

Diet + feeding frequency

Diet type: Varies by species (herbivore, omnivore, carnivore)
Frequency: 2-3 small meals daily, what they eat in 1-2 minutes

More food guides

Browse all food buying guides by species, the full Fast Aquatics food selection, or the Cichlids (general) care guide for full husbandry.