---
product_id: 12780726
title: "Cichlid Food Mini 8.5 Ounces"
brand: "aqueon"
price: "$16.64"
currency: USD
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 11
url: https://www.desertcart.us/products/12780726-cichlid-food-mini-8-5-ounces
store_origin: US
region: United States of America
---

# No water clouding formula for crystal-clear tanks 42% Protein from premium shrimp & squid meal Optimized nutrient absorption, less waste Cichlid Food Mini 8.5 Ounces

**Brand:** aqueon
**Price:** $16.64
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🐠 Feed brilliance, watch colors explode!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Cichlid Food Mini 8.5 Ounces by aqueon
- **How much does it cost?** $16.64 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.us](https://www.desertcart.us/products/12780726-cichlid-food-mini-8-5-ounces)

## Best For

- aqueon enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted aqueon brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Crystal Clear Feeding:** Specially formulated pellets that won’t cloud your aquarium water—keep your tank pristine.
- • **Color-Boosting Superfoods:** Infused with natural astaxanthin, spirulina & kelp to amplify your fish’s true colors.
- • **Efficient Nutrient Uptake:** Designed so fish utilize more nutrients, reducing waste and tank maintenance.
- • **Premium Protein Powerhouse:** Packed with whole fish, shrimp & squid meals to fuel vibrant, healthy cichlids.
- • **Versatile for All Cichlids:** Perfectly sized mini pellets ideal for South American, West African, and Rift Lake cichlids.

## Overview

Aqueon Cichlid Food Mini 8.5 Ounces delivers a high-protein, nutrient-rich diet formulated with premium whole fish, shrimp, and squid meals. Its advanced formula enhances color vibrancy and immune health while minimizing water clouding and waste. Ideal for all cichlid species, this pellet food supports growth and vitality with natural superfoods like spirulina and kelp, making it a top choice for discerning aquarium enthusiasts.

## Description

Aqueon Cichlid Pellets are made with premium ingredients, like shrimp meal, squid meal, kelp and spirulina, to attract the most finicky cichlids. Available in two pellet sizes for small to large cichlids. Satisfaction Guarantee.

Review: Excellent food for an outstanding price!! Similar quality to top shelf brands - This is my go-to ciclid food for the small ones in the tank. It's clearly delicious because it's made with quality ingredients and because the fish will fight over the food like you dropped a 12oz fillet mignon in a tank of piranhas. Okay maybe not that much, but they do go after it until their bellies are huge and try to steal every last bite from each other. The color of the fishes is excellent, they are very healthy, very active, beautiful fish. My cichlids are rather expensive fish and I would not feed them this if I didn't truly believe it was a high quality food. It's rated 4 stars on a cichlid food website. Here's some stats: Guaranteed Analysis Crude Protein 42.0% min. Crude Fat 8.0% min. Crude Fiber 3.0% max. Moisture 9.0% max. Phosphorus 1.0% min. Aqueon Cichlid Pellet Ingredients: Whole Fish Meal (whole salmon, herring & other mixed fishes), Whole Wheat Flour, Whole Dried Krill, Wheat Gluten Meal, Soybean Meal, Squid Meal, Dried Yeast, Fish Oil, Kelp Meal, Garlic, Spirulina, Marigold Powder, Chili Powder, Natural Astaxanthin, Choline Chloride, Calcium Propionate (a preservative), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Vitamin A Acetate, Cholecalciferol (source of Vitamin D3), Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Niacin, Menadione Sodium Bisulphite Complex (source of Vitamin K activity), Folic Acid, Thiamine, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (B6), Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, DL-Alphatocopherol (E), Manganese Sulfate, Cobalt Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate and Copper Sulfate. Aqueon Cichlid Pellet Ingredients Analysis Primary ingredient is Whole Fish meal. A meal form including the word “whole” identifies the entirety of the fish is utilized, not just processing leftovers as may be found in “fish meal.” Aqueon Meals are known to be manufactured in the United States, not utilizing Ethoxyquin as a preservative, which enables ample confidence in the quality of the meal. Whole Salmon is a high in Omega 3, Omega 6, and astaxanthin (A color enhancing carotenoid and powerful antioxidant). Salmon, combined with Whole Dried Krill, one of the best sources of astaxanthin available, ensures a food that will enhance red coloration. Studies conducted by the University of Albany’s Institute for Health and the Environment have identified significant contaminant levels in farmed salmon. “In particular, four substances that have been well studied for their ability to cause cancer-PCBs, dioxins, dieldrin, and toxaphene-were consistently and significantly more concentrated in farmed salmon.” Contamination is significant enough that the human recommendation for the consumption of farmed salmon is reduced to a “one-half to one meal per month-based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) consumption advisories for these contaminants. A meal was considered to be an eight-ounce portion.” It can be safely assumed that farmed salmon is utilized in this meal. Wheat is split into two separate ingredients (Wheat Flour and Wheat Gluten Meal) potentially making it the actual 1st ingredient. The next preferred ingredient is “Whole Dried Krill Meal”. Preference would be for this to be identified as Antarctic Krill. Regardless, it is a preferred protein with excellent color enhancing properties. Squid meal is a quality preferred protein. Fish oil can be either a beneficial ingredient or a hazardous one. Human grade fish oil collected from specific specifies of fish and screened for mercury will provide necessary omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids as well as protein. Non-human grade fish oil may not be screened for mercury and originate from fish with reduced omega 3 content. Kelp Meal is a good source of iodine for thyroid function and chlorophyll, dietary fiber, Vitamin C, Pantothenic Acid, Zinc, Copper, Riboflavin, Folate, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium and Manganese. The inclusion of garlic and Spirulina are appreciated, although their listing this far down the ingredients limits their nutritional contribution. Marigold and Chili powder are more gimmicky than nutritionally important. With three of the top six ingredients being preferred proteins, including the first ingredient listed, there is sufficient confidence in the overall preferred protein content of this food. This food does not contain Ethoxyquin or artificial colors but it does contain synthetic vitamin K. Oscarfish.Com Rating: 4.0 Star Use of the whole fish and subsequent quality preferred proteins easily justify a 3 star rating. However, bonus points are awarded for not using ethoxyquin or artificial colors resulting in a 4 star rating. Limited quantities of preferred plant proteins combined with use of Menadione Sodium Bisulphite (synthetic vitamin K) and questionable amount of non-preferred proteins/fillers used, prevent rating any higher. Understanding Oscarfish.Com Ratings: This review is an attempt to analyze the ingredients, rating them from 1 (worst) to 6 (best) in an effort to judge quality based upon three simple criteria. Absence of toxic, potentially toxic, and controversial ingredients Aquatic Animal protein and Preferred Plant Proteins as the primary protein sources A fully nutritious food to include necessary vitamins and minerals with natural sources of vitamins and minerals being preferred. These basic concepts apply: Inclusion of sufficient quantities of preferred plant proteins is a bonus with sufficient Spirulina content being a significant bonus. Use of prebiotics or probiotics is a bonus Any food that utilizes Ethoxyquin, BHA, or BHT as preservatives, cannot rate higher than a 4 star food Use of artificial colors prevents rating higher than a 4 star food. Any food that utilizes Menadione Sodium Bisulfite (Synthetic Vitamin K, aka K3) cannot rate higher than a 5 star food. Inclusion of the “Whole Fish”, or “Whole Krill” (in meal form or not) is preferred over fish meal or krill meal. In order to achieve a 5 or 6 star rating, the quality of the meal must be known. In order to achieve a 6 star rating, the “Whole Fish’ (or whole animal) must be used, either in meal form or in sufficient quantities outside of meal form.
Review: These do sink pretty quickly but perfect for any fish that bottom feeds - This is my go to pellet food for most of my aquarium fish. Many reviews complain about how fast they fall, but ironically, I intentionally purchased these BECAUSE they sink quicker. I have many catfish, cichlids, plecos, loaches and bichirs that feed primarily towards the bottom of the tank. Most fish other than strict bottom feeders will have no problem finding these on the bottom and eating them - even my barbs will pick at them over flakes. Definitely make sure to only feed what the fish will eat in a reasonable amount of time (5-10 minutes) otherwise any food will start fouling the water.

## Features

- Contains premium ingredients such as shrimp and squid meal that all types of cichlids should enjoy
- Quality, nutritious ingredients naturally attract fish, support a healthy immune system, bring out their true colors and provide the essentials for proper growth and vitality
- Formulated so that fish utilize more of what they eat and create less waste
- Will not cloud water when fed as directed
- Ideal for South American, West African and Carnivorous Rift Lake Cichlids

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B003ZTVB3S |
| ASIN  | B003ZTVB3S |
| Age Range Description | All Life Stages |
| Best Sellers Rank | #3,738 in Pet Supplies ( See Top 100 in Pet Supplies ) #17 in Aquarium Fish Food |
| Brand Name | Aqueon |
| Breed Recommendation | All Breed Sizes |
| Customer Reviews | 4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars (5,995) |
| Date First Available | August 16, 2010 |
| Date First Available  | August 16, 2010 |
| Directions | Feed no more than what the fish can eat within 1 - 2 minutes. Store in a cool, dry place with lid tightly secured. Feed no more than what the fish can eat within 1 - 2 minutes |
| Included Components | Aqueon Cichlid Food Mini 8.5 Ounces |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 5 x 8.5 x 1.5 inches |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 8.15 x 4.65 x 1.89 inches |
| Item Weight | 0.55 Pounds |
| Item model number | 100106181 |
| Item model number  | 100106181 |
| Manufacturer | Central Garden & Pet |
| Manufacturer  | Central Garden & Pet |
| Manufacturer recommended age  | 1 month and up |
| Model Name | Cichlid Food |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Product Dimensions  | 5 x 8.5 x 1.5 inches; 8.8 ounces |
| Size | 8.5 Ounce (Pack of 1) |
| Specific Uses for Product | Cichlid Feeding |
| Style | Mini 8.5 Ounces |
| Target Audience Keyword | algae-eaters^betta-fish^bottom-feeder-fish^cichlid-fish^fish^goldfish^invertebrate-fish^mollusks^octopuses^rays^sharks^snails, fish |
| Warranty Description | Satisfaction Guarantee |

## Product Details

- **Age Range (Description):** All Life Stages
- **Brand:** Aqueon
- **Flavor:** Fish
- **Item Form:** Pellet
- **Specific Uses For Product:** Cichlid Feeding

## Images

![Cichlid Food Mini 8.5 Ounces - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71H2-rBwyRL.jpg)

## Available Options

This product comes in different **Style** options.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent food for an outstanding price!! Similar quality to top shelf brands
*by M***K on September 10, 2015*

This is my go-to ciclid food for the small ones in the tank. It's clearly delicious because it's made with quality ingredients and because the fish will fight over the food like you dropped a 12oz fillet mignon in a tank of piranhas. Okay maybe not that much, but they do go after it until their bellies are huge and try to steal every last bite from each other. The color of the fishes is excellent, they are very healthy, very active, beautiful fish. My cichlids are rather expensive fish and I would not feed them this if I didn't truly believe it was a high quality food. It's rated 4 stars on a cichlid food website. Here's some stats: Guaranteed Analysis Crude Protein 42.0% min. Crude Fat 8.0% min. Crude Fiber 3.0% max. Moisture 9.0% max. Phosphorus 1.0% min. Aqueon Cichlid Pellet Ingredients: Whole Fish Meal (whole salmon, herring & other mixed fishes), Whole Wheat Flour, Whole Dried Krill, Wheat Gluten Meal, Soybean Meal, Squid Meal, Dried Yeast, Fish Oil, Kelp Meal, Garlic, Spirulina, Marigold Powder, Chili Powder, Natural Astaxanthin, Choline Chloride, Calcium Propionate (a preservative), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Vitamin A Acetate, Cholecalciferol (source of Vitamin D3), Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Niacin, Menadione Sodium Bisulphite Complex (source of Vitamin K activity), Folic Acid, Thiamine, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (B6), Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, DL-Alphatocopherol (E), Manganese Sulfate, Cobalt Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate and Copper Sulfate. Aqueon Cichlid Pellet Ingredients Analysis Primary ingredient is Whole Fish meal. A meal form including the word “whole” identifies the entirety of the fish is utilized, not just processing leftovers as may be found in “fish meal.” Aqueon Meals are known to be manufactured in the United States, not utilizing Ethoxyquin as a preservative, which enables ample confidence in the quality of the meal. Whole Salmon is a high in Omega 3, Omega 6, and astaxanthin (A color enhancing carotenoid and powerful antioxidant). Salmon, combined with Whole Dried Krill, one of the best sources of astaxanthin available, ensures a food that will enhance red coloration. Studies conducted by the University of Albany’s Institute for Health and the Environment have identified significant contaminant levels in farmed salmon. “In particular, four substances that have been well studied for their ability to cause cancer-PCBs, dioxins, dieldrin, and toxaphene-were consistently and significantly more concentrated in farmed salmon.” Contamination is significant enough that the human recommendation for the consumption of farmed salmon is reduced to a “one-half to one meal per month-based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) consumption advisories for these contaminants. A meal was considered to be an eight-ounce portion.” It can be safely assumed that farmed salmon is utilized in this meal. Wheat is split into two separate ingredients (Wheat Flour and Wheat Gluten Meal) potentially making it the actual 1st ingredient. The next preferred ingredient is “Whole Dried Krill Meal”. Preference would be for this to be identified as Antarctic Krill. Regardless, it is a preferred protein with excellent color enhancing properties. Squid meal is a quality preferred protein. Fish oil can be either a beneficial ingredient or a hazardous one. Human grade fish oil collected from specific specifies of fish and screened for mercury will provide necessary omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids as well as protein. Non-human grade fish oil may not be screened for mercury and originate from fish with reduced omega 3 content. Kelp Meal is a good source of iodine for thyroid function and chlorophyll, dietary fiber, Vitamin C, Pantothenic Acid, Zinc, Copper, Riboflavin, Folate, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium and Manganese. The inclusion of garlic and Spirulina are appreciated, although their listing this far down the ingredients limits their nutritional contribution. Marigold and Chili powder are more gimmicky than nutritionally important. With three of the top six ingredients being preferred proteins, including the first ingredient listed, there is sufficient confidence in the overall preferred protein content of this food. This food does not contain Ethoxyquin or artificial colors but it does contain synthetic vitamin K. Oscarfish.Com Rating: 4.0 Star Use of the whole fish and subsequent quality preferred proteins easily justify a 3 star rating. However, bonus points are awarded for not using ethoxyquin or artificial colors resulting in a 4 star rating. Limited quantities of preferred plant proteins combined with use of Menadione Sodium Bisulphite (synthetic vitamin K) and questionable amount of non-preferred proteins/fillers used, prevent rating any higher. Understanding Oscarfish.Com Ratings: This review is an attempt to analyze the ingredients, rating them from 1 (worst) to 6 (best) in an effort to judge quality based upon three simple criteria. Absence of toxic, potentially toxic, and controversial ingredients Aquatic Animal protein and Preferred Plant Proteins as the primary protein sources A fully nutritious food to include necessary vitamins and minerals with natural sources of vitamins and minerals being preferred. These basic concepts apply: Inclusion of sufficient quantities of preferred plant proteins is a bonus with sufficient Spirulina content being a significant bonus. Use of prebiotics or probiotics is a bonus Any food that utilizes Ethoxyquin, BHA, or BHT as preservatives, cannot rate higher than a 4 star food Use of artificial colors prevents rating higher than a 4 star food. Any food that utilizes Menadione Sodium Bisulfite (Synthetic Vitamin K, aka K3) cannot rate higher than a 5 star food. Inclusion of the “Whole Fish”, or “Whole Krill” (in meal form or not) is preferred over fish meal or krill meal. In order to achieve a 5 or 6 star rating, the quality of the meal must be known. In order to achieve a 6 star rating, the “Whole Fish’ (or whole animal) must be used, either in meal form or in sufficient quantities outside of meal form.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ These do sink pretty quickly but perfect for any fish that bottom feeds
*by S***Y on March 7, 2024*

This is my go to pellet food for most of my aquarium fish. Many reviews complain about how fast they fall, but ironically, I intentionally purchased these BECAUSE they sink quicker. I have many catfish, cichlids, plecos, loaches and bichirs that feed primarily towards the bottom of the tank. Most fish other than strict bottom feeders will have no problem finding these on the bottom and eating them - even my barbs will pick at them over flakes. Definitely make sure to only feed what the fish will eat in a reasonable amount of time (5-10 minutes) otherwise any food will start fouling the water.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love it
*by J***E on December 2, 2025*

Great product, worth every single penny !!!

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*Product available on Desertcart United States of America*
*Store origin: US*
*Last updated: 2026-03-18*