Hikari® Sinking Cichlid Gold® Medium Pellets for Cichlids and Larger Freshwater Fish, 2.2 lbs (1kg)

This has been a good food for my cichlids. The pellets sink nicely, which helps because the food actually gets to the fish instead of floating around forever or ending up sucked into the filter. My fish go for it, and that’s honestly the biggest test with aquarium food because fish can be dramatic little underwater food critics. I like that the container is a decent size and the food doesn’t make a huge mess when fed properly. It’s a good option for cichlid owners, especially if you have fish that prefer food that sinks instead of staying at the top. No real complaints. I’d buy it again because it’s easy to use, the fish like it, and it feels like a reliable staple food to keep on hand.

We have several Blood Parrot fish tanks with about 12 Cichlids total. Due to the sensitivity of the Blood Parrots and how susceptible they are to swim bladder issues, we searched for a sinking pellet that the fish could/would eat and would help them maintain their beautiful orange color. Attached are pics of the color of the babies (almost yellowish at first) when we first bought them and after a few months of feeding them the Hikari Sinking Gold Cichlid Pellets (vibrant orange color). What a difference! I also attached a video of the first Blood Parrot fish we ever bought about six years ago that we have been feeding the Hikari Sinking Gold Cichlid Pellets to for years! She loses some of her color every time she lays eggs and she seems to lay eggs often nowadays or at least tries to. More about the food! We tried the smaller size Hikari sinking pellets but it seemed the smaller pellets would get overlooked by the babies and they couldn't seem to find the small pellets, so we went ahead and bought the bigger size to try them. The babies were able to see the larger size sinking pellets and it negated the risk of the Blood Parrots sucking in air while trying to feed off the top of the fish tank with either floating pellets or flakes. The pellet size was a little big for the babies at first so we would soak the pellets in a cup of fish tank water for a few minutes to soften the pellets up before feeding the babies the pellets. The babies will literally suck the softened pellets off the tank bottom with a small amount of food waste being expelled from their mouth as they swallow the pellet. The small amount of food waste from the softened pellets often gets sucked into the fish filter which helps keep the tank clean as a whole too! The food quality and nutrition is definitely top notch as seen by the color difference in our fish pictures! The Functionality of the sinking pellets works flawlessly, especially after soaking the pellets for a few minutes in a cup of tank water. The bag lasts us about two months as we don't overfeed our fish as we want them to avoid any gut issues. We also feed them Hikari Jumbo Bloodworms on occasion and shelled peas just to be safe. Blood parrots are picky eaters sometimes, but these Hikari sinking pellets seem to be a food they will eat daily for us!

I’ve had really good luck with these Hikari Cichlid Gold pellets. The pellets sink like they’re supposed to, which works way better for my fish than floating food. They seem more active during feeding time, and I’ve noticed less wasted food sitting around compared to some cheaper brands I’ve tried. The medium size works well for my cichlids, and the container lasts a pretty decent amount of time for a 2.2-pound bag. Water quality hasn’t seemed to get nasty fast with this food either, which is a huge plus. Definitely one of those “you get what you pay for” fish foods. My fish are picky little jerks and they still go after this stuff fast.

This type of fish food is the best , my Oscar won't eat anything else but this , I have tried, the size is perfect, my Oscar is currently 7 years old. Big and beautiful

I recently switched to Hikari 12-Ounce Sinking Cichlid Gold Pellets, Mini for my cichlids, and I couldn’t be happier with the results! This product deserves a solid 5-star review for several reasons: 1. High-Quality Ingredients: Hikari has a well-established reputation for producing premium aquatic foods, and these pellets are no exception. The ingredients are rich in natural proteins, which is perfect for my cichlids, promoting healthy growth, vibrant colors, and overall vitality. I can tell that my fish enjoy eating these more than the previous brand I was using. 2. Sinking Pellets – Ideal for Bottom Feeders: I love that these are sinking pellets. Since many cichlids spend most of their time near the bottom of the tank, this feature ensures they can easily find and consume the food. It also prevents excess floating debris that might cause water quality issues, which is a big plus for tank maintenance. 3. Perfect Size for Smaller Cichlids: The Mini size of these pellets is great for my smaller cichlids and other mid-size aquarium fish. They are easy for my fish to eat, and I don't have to worry about any pellets being too large for them to swallow. Plus, the pellets break down quickly if they are not eaten right away, which is ideal for reducing waste and keeping the water clean. 4. Enhances Coloration: One of the standout features of this food is its ability to enhance the natural colors of my fish. I’ve already noticed my cichlids becoming more vibrant and colorful after just a few weeks of feeding them this product. It’s nice to see the results so quickly! 5. Easy to Store and Use: The packaging is durable and easy to reseal, which keeps the pellets fresh for longer. The 12-ounce size is perfect for my needs, and I don’t feel like I’m overstocking my aquarium food. The pellets are also easy to handle and distribute, ensuring I can feed my fish the right amount each time. 6. No Cloudy Water: I’ve noticed no cloudiness in the water after feeding these pellets, which is important for keeping my tank clean and clear. It doesn’t dissolve into messy particles like some other foods do, so I don’t need to worry about water quality issues. Final Thoughts: Overall, the Hikari Sinking Cichlid Gold Pellets are an excellent choice for cichlid owners. They provide high-quality nutrition, enhance the colors of your fish, and are easy to use. My cichlids love them, and I highly recommend this product to anyone looking to improve their fish’s diet and health. 🐟 Five stars for quality, performance, and results!

After two years of buying the 2.2 lb bags of Hikari Sinking Cichlid Gold (Medium), I can say with confidence—this is the smart buy for serious fishkeepers. I switched to the sinking version when I noticed some of my cichlids preferred feeding lower in the tank, and it’s been a total win. 🟢 Why it’s a game-changer: Sinks quickly and evenly, ideal for bottom-feeding cichlids or more timid ones that avoid the surface. Same legendary color-enhancing formula as the floating pellets—bright reds and oranges, even on older fish. Buying in bulk saves me money and trips. One bag lasts a long time, even with multiple tanks. Despite the size, the pellets don’t break apart or cloud the water, which is rare for sinking foods. 🔴 Things to know: The medium pellets are a bit too large for smaller fish, so not ideal for juveniles—go for the mini size in that case. Store it in an airtight container once opened to keep it fresh longer (it’s a big bag!). 💡 Pro Tip: This is especially great for species like Oscars, Jack Dempseys, and Severums—all of mine thrive on this as a daily staple. After two solid years, my fish still rush to the bottom the moment these hit the water. If you’ve got mid- to large-sized cichlids and want a cleaner, more natural feeding method—this is it.

I have been keeping large cichlids for years, and this is hands down the best staple food I have found for them. Within just two weeks of feeding my Oscars and Green Terrors these large floating pellets, their reds and metallic greens became noticeably deeper and more vibrant. The pellets stay afloat perfectly at the surface, giving my aggressive surface feeders plenty of time to grab them before they sink. Best of all, they do not dissolve or break apart in the water, which keeps my tank crystal clear and saves me from constant water changes. Even my pickiest eater took to them instantly, and I have seen great, steady growth and energy levels across the whole tank. It is an excellent premium food that delivers exactly what it promises.

These sink which helps my bottom dwellers.

Hikari … my ALL time favourite for fish health and clean water

High quality fish food for oscars. They love this food. It's a sinking type of food. There is a floating type available as well.

Bon produit

I have been feeding my koi for years with Hakari Gold and Hakari Wheat Germ for cooler water. Koi very healthy.

The food is very good my koo waste nothing and it bring out the colour so bright.