Tetra Cichlid Granules, 500 ml is a staple granular food for medium cichlids with the BioActive formula. It is a mix of two granule types enriched with natural carotenoids for bright colour. Ingredients: cereals, vegetable protein extracts, fish and fish by-products, yeasts, molluscs and crustaceans, oils and fats, minerals, algae. Analysis: protein 44%, fat 11%, fibre 2%, moisture 8%. Additives: vitamin A 29,870 IU/kg, vitamin D3 1870 IU/kg, manganese 67 mg/kg, zinc 40 mg/kg, iron 26 mg/kg, colourants, preservatives, antioxidants.
What the manufacturer claims
Tetra calls Cichlid Granules a staple food for medium cichlids and also a mix "for all cichlid species". Two granule types add variety, carotenoids support bright colours, and BioActive is the brand's formula for fish health and immunity.
Key specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Form | granules, a mix of two types |
| For | medium cichlids |
| Protein | 44% |
| Fat | 11% |
| Fibre | 2% |
| Moisture | 8% |
| For colour | natural carotenoids |
| Volume | 500 ml |
Pros
- High protein. 44% suits active predatory and omnivorous cichlids.
- Two granule types. Variety in one tub.
- Carotenoids. Support red and yellow tones.
- Full analysis. Vitamins and trace elements given in figures.
- Molluscs and crustaceans. Familiar ingredients for cichlids.
- Handy size. 500 ml lasts several fish a long time.
Cons and what to watch
- Cereals come first. The base is not fish.
- Ingredients by category. The shares of fish and grain are not disclosed.
- Colourants and preservatives. Not specified.
- Volume error. The listing specs say "500 L" instead of 500 ml.
Which cichlids it suits
The granules are meant for medium cichlids — acaras, convicts, smaller African cichlids and similar fish. Herbivorous Malawi cichlids such as mbuna need food with more plant matter, like Tetra Cichlid Algae Mini. Large cichlids do better with sticks — Tetra Cichlid Sticks.
How to feed
Give as much as the fish eat in 2–3 minutes, 2–3 times a day. Remove leftovers — uneaten granules foul the water. Cichlids are good at begging, but overfeeding is one of the main causes of water and health problems.
Colour and carotenoids
Carotenoids support the brightness of red, orange and yellow tones. The effect is not immediate; it shows after several weeks of regular feeding. For maximum brightness Tetra offers the dedicated Cichlid Colour. Colour also depends on water quality, lighting and stress.
A varied diet
Even a good staple food benefits from extras: frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, pieces of shrimp, and vegetables and spirulina for herbivorous species. Variety reduces the risk of deficiencies and keeps fish interested in food.
Young fish and tankmates
For fry and juvenile cichlids the granules may be too large — crush them with your fingers or offer a finer food such as TetraMin Baby. If catfish and other bottom dwellers share the tank, make sure they get food too: active cichlids often eat everything before it sinks.
Storage
Keep the tub tightly closed in a cool, dry place. Opened food gradually loses vitamins, so choose a size your fish will finish in 2–3 months. Do not store food above the aquarium, where it is warm and humid.
Water and cichlids
Cichlids eat a lot and produce a lot of waste, so they need strong filtration and regular water changes. To prepare fresh water, use Tetra AquaSafe.
Who it suits
The food suits medium omnivorous and predatory cichlids as a daily staple, especially if bright colour matters. Herbivorous species are better off with an algae-based food. More foods are in fish food.
Verdict
Tetra Cichlid Granules is a staple granular food for medium cichlids: protein 44%, fat 11%, two granule types and carotenoids. The downsides are cereals in first place, ingredients listed by category without shares, and a volume error in the listing specs.
FAQ
Which cichlids is it for?
Medium omnivorous and predatory cichlids.
How much protein?
44%.
How many times a day should I feed?
2–3 times, a portion eaten in 2–3 minutes.
Does it improve colour?
Carotenoids support brightness; the effect shows after several weeks.
Is it suitable for mbuna?
They are better off with an algae food such as Cichlid Algae Mini.
What is the base?
Cereals, vegetable protein and fish.
What is the volume?
500 ml.
