• Two formulations across four sizes — Baby pellets run a fish-meal-led recipe at 32% minimum protein for growing fish; Mini, Medium and Large step up to a 40% minimum protein formula once fish are established.
• Colour support from astaxanthin — a natural carotenoid included in every pellet size to support red and orange pigment development, backed by spirulina in the Mini, Medium and Large formula.
• Holds its shape in the water — floats initially and resists breaking apart, so less feed is lost to the filter before fish reach it.
• Stabilised vitamin C — L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate is used instead of plain vitamin C, so it survives normal storage rather than degrading before the pack is finished.
• Garlic included in every size — added as a natural feeding stimulant for fussier eaters.

All four sizes share the same Cichlid Gold formula family, but the protein level and ingredient list step up once pellets move past Baby. Match the size to the fish, not the tank.

Pack weight 250 g for every size. Country of manufacture is not stated by Hikari on the product specification page checked for this listing.

Transcribed verbatim from Hikari's published specification, in the manufacturer's own order.

Baby pellets: Fish meal, flaked corn, wheat flour, rice bran, soybean meal, corn gluten meal, shrimp meal, brewers dried yeast, DL-methionine, garlic, phaffia dried yeast, astaxanthin, grape seed extract, choline chloride, vitamin E supplement, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (stabilised vitamin C), inositol, d-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin, vitamin A supplement, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, niacin, folic acid, vitamin D3 supplement, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement, disodium phosphate, salt, ferrous sulphate, magnesium sulphate, zinc sulphate, manganese sulphate, copper sulphate, calcium iodate.

Mini, Medium and Large pellets: Fish meal, wheat flour, flaked corn, brewers dried yeast, corn gluten meal, wheat starch, rice bran, spirulina, garlic, DL-methionine, astaxanthin, choline chloride, vitamin E supplement, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (stabilised vitamin C), inositol, d-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin, vitamin A supplement, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, niacin, folic acid, vitamin D3 supplement, biotin, disodium phosphate, ferrous sulphate, magnesium sulphate, zinc sulphate, manganese sulphate, copper sulphate, calcium iodate, red 3, yellow 5 (artificial colours).

The Mini, Medium and Large formula carries two artificial colours, red 3 and yellow 5; the Baby formula's ingredient declaration lists none. No allergen statement is published by Hikari; the declaration itself names fish meal, shrimp meal, soybean meal and wheat as ingredients worth noting for anyone managing a specific sensitivity.

Suitable for: all common cichlid species, Oscars and other large, semi-aggressive tropical fish able to take a pellet of the matching size.

Not suitable for: nano and small community fish that cannot manage even the Baby pellet, and tanks where a sinking-only diet is required — Hikari sells a separate Sinking Cichlid Gold for that purpose.

Feed two to three times daily, offering only the amount fish will completely consume within a few minutes. Avoid over-feeding and remove any uneaten pellets after the feeding period to protect water quality.

Reseal the pack tightly after each use and store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. This protects the stabilised vitamin C and reduces spoilage risk over the life of the pack.

A fine aquarium net makes short work of retrieving any uneaten pellets, and a basic freshwater test kit is worth keeping on hand to check ammonia after a feeding increase. Cichlid keepers stepping fish up in size often run Cichlid Staple alongside Cichlid Gold as a more economical everyday base, reserving Gold for colour-conditioning days.

Shipped as an ambient dry good with no cold-chain or special handling requirement. Covered by the consumer guarantees available under Australian Consumer Law in addition to any manufacturer undertaking.

Does Hikari Cichlid Gold float or sink?

It floats initially and holds its shape well, giving mid-water and surface-feeding cichlids time to take it before it breaks down.

What is the difference between Cichlid Gold and Cichlid Staple?

Cichlid Gold runs a higher minimum protein level (40% in Mini/Medium/Large versus 35% in Staple) and adds astaxanthin and spirulina for colour support, making it the pick for conditioning and colour-up rather than everyday feeding alone.

Which size should I start a juvenile cichlid on?

Baby, at 1.7–2.0 mm, is sized for fry and newly-settled juveniles. Step up to Mini once fish are comfortably taking that pellet whole.

Can I feed Cichlid Gold to fish other than cichlids?

Yes — it suits other large, semi-aggressive tropical fish able to manage the pellet size, though it is formulated with cichlids specifically in mind.

Why does the Mini/Medium/Large formula list artificial colours but Baby does not?

The two formulas use different recipes; red 3 and yellow 5 appear only in the ingredient declaration for Mini, Medium and Large pellets.