This is just a starting guide to help beginners out when choosing pellets. Just have to be careful when choosing pellets. Some not all contain nothing beneficial for Cichla, They are just processed fillers. So here is a break down to help yall out on what foods to feed.
Peacock bass (genus Cichla) are large carnivorous cichlids with voracious appetites and high protein requirements. In captivity they thrive on protein-rich pellets formulated for predatory fish. Ideally, a peacock bass diet should contain 40–50% crude protein from quality fish/krill sources to support their rapid growth and muscle development . Because these fish are ambush predators that often strike at the surface, floating pellets can trigger natural feeding behaviors, whereas sinking pellets ensure food reaches individuals that don’t readily take food at the top . Below is a structured list of top-rated pellet foods (by hobbyists and aquaculture professionals) for peacock bass, including protein content, pellet size/type, digestibility, and user feedback.
1. Hikari Massivore Delite (Hikari) – A renowned sinking pellet (~“XL” 8–9 mm) formulated for large carnivores. Crude protein ~47% , derived from fish and krill meal, provides the nutrition equivalent of feeding live fish. Peacock bass above ~5 inches “go nuts for it” – hobbyists report excellent growth and even head hump development on this diet . The pellet sinks quickly (designed for bottom/ambush feeders) and softens to a meaty texture, improving palatability. Digestibility is high, though heavy feeding can result in large waste output . Note:Massivore is premium-priced and cichlid keepers note that “Cichla aren’t cheap to feed” , but it remains a gold standard recommendation for its results.
2. Hikari Jumbo Carnisticks (Food Sticks) – A floating stick-type pellet made for top-feeding predators like peacock bass and arowanas. Contains 40% crude protein and is enriched with carotenoids for color. Each stick absorbs water to attain a “live-fish-like” softness and is easily digested , reducing waste. The sticks are sizable and calorie-dense (each roughly equal to one feeder goldfish in nutrition) , which suits larger bass. Hobbyists report that Hikari Food Sticks are excellent for growth and bulk – one keeper gave them an “A+” for helping his bass put on weight quickly . These floating pellets allow you to monitor intake at the surface, though ensure your bass are trained to surface-feed (some may ignore floating food initially). Causing a splash when throwing the stick in can entice strikes .
3. NorthFin Carnivore Formula (NorthFin) – A slow-sinking 10 mm pellet specifically crafted for large predatory fish. It boasts an impressive 48% crude protein minimum , using whole herring, sardine, and Antarctic krill as primary ingredients (no soy or low-quality fillers) . This nutrient-dense pellet provides excellent protein and marine oils (High-DHA Omega-3) for growth and health. In terms of digestibility, the natural ingredient profile and absence of excess starch promote efficient nutrient uptake. However, users note the pellets are extremely hard in water – “as hard as ball bearings” – which sometimes causes peacock bass to spit them out initially . Pre-soaking the pellets for a minute or mixing with softer foods can help with acceptance. Once accustomed, many keepers praise NorthFin for its quality, and it’s a top choice for carnivores in need of maximum protein.
4. Omega One Large Cichlid Pellets (OmegaSea) – High-quality cichlid pellets available in both floating and sinking varieties (choose based on your bass’s feeding habits). Crude protein is ~42% with whole salmon and herring as the first ingredients – Omega One is “made with whole salmon, not fish meal” as hobbyists emphasize . These pellets are packed with natural fats and astaxanthin, which hobbyists credit for bringing out vibrant coloration in peacock bass . The large pellet size is nearly as big as Hikari Massivore , meaning adult bass can be satiated without needing dozens of pellets. Omega One’s formula is known for strong palatability and low waste (no artificial binders). One keeper reports using Omega One alongside other foods and finds it particularly effective at enhancing color while still providing solid growth . This pellet is a great all-around daily diet; use the floating version to encourage surface strikes or the sinking version if your bass prefers to hunt falling food.
5. Xtreme Monster Pellet 9 mm (Xtreme Aquatic Foods) – A slow-sinking 9 mm pellet developed for “monster” fish like oscars, arowanas, and peacock bass . It contains a blend of marine proteins (squid, shrimp, fish) plus spirulina and vitamins for a balanced diet . Protein content (~38% crude) is a bit lower than some dedicated carnivore feeds , but this is still a high-protein food and the slightly reduced level can aid digestibility. In fact, some aquarists note Xtreme’s monster pellet has a “lower protein % than the avg monster fish pellet” , but find that their fish still grow well on it, likely because the ingredients are high-quality and easily metabolized. User feedback:Many hobbyists report their predatory cichlids eagerly take Xtreme pellets – bichir and bass keepers have observed excellent acceptance and minimal leftovers . The formula is also designed for clean water, with claims of less waste and clouding. This pellet is a strong choice for daily feeding, especially if you’re looking for something your bass will readily eat and that won’t break the bank (it’s often more affordable per ounce than imported brands).
6. New Life Spectrum Large Fish Formula (NLS) – A premium sinking pellet line trusted by many cichlid keepers. NLS pellets come in various sizes (up to a “Giant” 10 mm pellet for huge fish) and most sizes sink slowly. Crude protein ranges ~37–39% depending on the formula , derived from whole krill, fish (herring, etc.), and squid . The emphasis on whole aquatic ingredients (plus added garlic and vitamins) gives NLS a reputation for high digestibility and nutritional breadth. Peacock bass often accept NLS as part of a varied diet – for example, some keepers feed New Life Spectrum cichlid pellets alongside krill and shrimp to enhance color and vitality . These pellets are known to improve fish condition and coloration over time (without hormonal color enhancers). Digestibility/Waste: NLS formulas are formulated to produce less waste; the food is highly utilized by the fish, so water quality stays better with proper feeding. While NLS may not be a single “bulk up fast” solution, it is highly recommended as a staple or mix-in pellet to cover all nutritional bases for peacock bass, ensuring they get vitamins and micronutrients in addition to protein.
7. Purina AquaMax Sport Fish Pellets (Purina) – A pellet diet developed for aquaculture that is also applicable to aquarium use, especially if you have multiple peacock bass or are raising juveniles. AquaMax comes in several sizes (e.g. 500 and 600 series pellets, from ~5 mm up to ~12 mm); the larger “Largemouth” formula pellets can be nearly 1 inch long to accommodate big fish. With 41% crude protein and 12% fat , this floating extruded pellet is an “excellent grower diet for carnivorous fish,” designed for efficient feed conversion . Aquaculture professionals use it to pellet-train gamefish and peacock bass, as it yields fast growth and good body condition. Digestibility is high (fish meal is the #1 ingredient and there are added vitamins), resulting in little waste and clean water in pond settings . For aquarium use, the floating pellets make it easy to observe your bass eating; they encourage an aggressive surface feed response . User feedback from pond forums indicates largemouth and peacock bass readily learn to eat these pellets, and their growth rates are impressive when fed liberally. AquaMax is sold in bulk (often 20–50 lb bags), so it’s cost-effective if you have many large fish to feed. The downside is primarily availability/quantity – it’s a bulk farm feed, so one bag is a long-term supply. If you have the need and storage, AquaMax offers professional-grade nutrition for peacock bass at a lower cost per unit, with performance that competes with hobby brands.
Feeding Behavior Note: Peacock bass can be trained to take both floating and sinking pellets. Younger or newly introduced bass might respond better to sinking foods that drift past their field of view (mimicking a prey fish movement). As they grow confident, they will slam floating pellets at the surface. It’s wise to experiment – for instance, some hobbyists start their bass on sinking Massivore Delite then transition to floating sticks or vice versa. Ensure any uneaten food is removed (or use tankmates like catfish to scavenge), and adjust pellet size as the fish grows (peacock bass have big mouths but still prefer appropriately sized bites to avoid choking or spitting out overly hard pieces). Using high-protein pellets like those above, aquarium keepers have raised healthy, fast-growing peacock bass while maintaining water quality and enjoying the convenience of prepared foods over live prey. Each of the pellets listed has a strong track record in the community, so your choice may come down to availability and your fish’s preferences – some bass may favor one texture or flavor over another. Overall, a mix-and-match approach is often beneficial (for example, alternating Hikari and Omega One, or supplementing pellets with occasional whole frozen foods) to ensure a balanced, interesting diet. With the pellet options above, you can meet the nutritional needs of peacock bass and keep these beautiful predators thriving in your aquarium.
Peacock bass (genus Cichla) are large carnivorous cichlids with voracious appetites and high protein requirements. In captivity they thrive on protein-rich pellets formulated for predatory fish. Ideally, a peacock bass diet should contain 40–50% crude protein from quality fish/krill sources to support their rapid growth and muscle development . Because these fish are ambush predators that often strike at the surface, floating pellets can trigger natural feeding behaviors, whereas sinking pellets ensure food reaches individuals that don’t readily take food at the top . Below is a structured list of top-rated pellet foods (by hobbyists and aquaculture professionals) for peacock bass, including protein content, pellet size/type, digestibility, and user feedback.
1. Hikari Massivore Delite (Hikari) – A renowned sinking pellet (~“XL” 8–9 mm) formulated for large carnivores. Crude protein ~47% , derived from fish and krill meal, provides the nutrition equivalent of feeding live fish. Peacock bass above ~5 inches “go nuts for it” – hobbyists report excellent growth and even head hump development on this diet . The pellet sinks quickly (designed for bottom/ambush feeders) and softens to a meaty texture, improving palatability. Digestibility is high, though heavy feeding can result in large waste output . Note:Massivore is premium-priced and cichlid keepers note that “Cichla aren’t cheap to feed” , but it remains a gold standard recommendation for its results.
2. Hikari Jumbo Carnisticks (Food Sticks) – A floating stick-type pellet made for top-feeding predators like peacock bass and arowanas. Contains 40% crude protein and is enriched with carotenoids for color. Each stick absorbs water to attain a “live-fish-like” softness and is easily digested , reducing waste. The sticks are sizable and calorie-dense (each roughly equal to one feeder goldfish in nutrition) , which suits larger bass. Hobbyists report that Hikari Food Sticks are excellent for growth and bulk – one keeper gave them an “A+” for helping his bass put on weight quickly . These floating pellets allow you to monitor intake at the surface, though ensure your bass are trained to surface-feed (some may ignore floating food initially). Causing a splash when throwing the stick in can entice strikes .
3. NorthFin Carnivore Formula (NorthFin) – A slow-sinking 10 mm pellet specifically crafted for large predatory fish. It boasts an impressive 48% crude protein minimum , using whole herring, sardine, and Antarctic krill as primary ingredients (no soy or low-quality fillers) . This nutrient-dense pellet provides excellent protein and marine oils (High-DHA Omega-3) for growth and health. In terms of digestibility, the natural ingredient profile and absence of excess starch promote efficient nutrient uptake. However, users note the pellets are extremely hard in water – “as hard as ball bearings” – which sometimes causes peacock bass to spit them out initially . Pre-soaking the pellets for a minute or mixing with softer foods can help with acceptance. Once accustomed, many keepers praise NorthFin for its quality, and it’s a top choice for carnivores in need of maximum protein.
4. Omega One Large Cichlid Pellets (OmegaSea) – High-quality cichlid pellets available in both floating and sinking varieties (choose based on your bass’s feeding habits). Crude protein is ~42% with whole salmon and herring as the first ingredients – Omega One is “made with whole salmon, not fish meal” as hobbyists emphasize . These pellets are packed with natural fats and astaxanthin, which hobbyists credit for bringing out vibrant coloration in peacock bass . The large pellet size is nearly as big as Hikari Massivore , meaning adult bass can be satiated without needing dozens of pellets. Omega One’s formula is known for strong palatability and low waste (no artificial binders). One keeper reports using Omega One alongside other foods and finds it particularly effective at enhancing color while still providing solid growth . This pellet is a great all-around daily diet; use the floating version to encourage surface strikes or the sinking version if your bass prefers to hunt falling food.
5. Xtreme Monster Pellet 9 mm (Xtreme Aquatic Foods) – A slow-sinking 9 mm pellet developed for “monster” fish like oscars, arowanas, and peacock bass . It contains a blend of marine proteins (squid, shrimp, fish) plus spirulina and vitamins for a balanced diet . Protein content (~38% crude) is a bit lower than some dedicated carnivore feeds , but this is still a high-protein food and the slightly reduced level can aid digestibility. In fact, some aquarists note Xtreme’s monster pellet has a “lower protein % than the avg monster fish pellet” , but find that their fish still grow well on it, likely because the ingredients are high-quality and easily metabolized. User feedback:Many hobbyists report their predatory cichlids eagerly take Xtreme pellets – bichir and bass keepers have observed excellent acceptance and minimal leftovers . The formula is also designed for clean water, with claims of less waste and clouding. This pellet is a strong choice for daily feeding, especially if you’re looking for something your bass will readily eat and that won’t break the bank (it’s often more affordable per ounce than imported brands).
6. New Life Spectrum Large Fish Formula (NLS) – A premium sinking pellet line trusted by many cichlid keepers. NLS pellets come in various sizes (up to a “Giant” 10 mm pellet for huge fish) and most sizes sink slowly. Crude protein ranges ~37–39% depending on the formula , derived from whole krill, fish (herring, etc.), and squid . The emphasis on whole aquatic ingredients (plus added garlic and vitamins) gives NLS a reputation for high digestibility and nutritional breadth. Peacock bass often accept NLS as part of a varied diet – for example, some keepers feed New Life Spectrum cichlid pellets alongside krill and shrimp to enhance color and vitality . These pellets are known to improve fish condition and coloration over time (without hormonal color enhancers). Digestibility/Waste: NLS formulas are formulated to produce less waste; the food is highly utilized by the fish, so water quality stays better with proper feeding. While NLS may not be a single “bulk up fast” solution, it is highly recommended as a staple or mix-in pellet to cover all nutritional bases for peacock bass, ensuring they get vitamins and micronutrients in addition to protein.
7. Purina AquaMax Sport Fish Pellets (Purina) – A pellet diet developed for aquaculture that is also applicable to aquarium use, especially if you have multiple peacock bass or are raising juveniles. AquaMax comes in several sizes (e.g. 500 and 600 series pellets, from ~5 mm up to ~12 mm); the larger “Largemouth” formula pellets can be nearly 1 inch long to accommodate big fish. With 41% crude protein and 12% fat , this floating extruded pellet is an “excellent grower diet for carnivorous fish,” designed for efficient feed conversion . Aquaculture professionals use it to pellet-train gamefish and peacock bass, as it yields fast growth and good body condition. Digestibility is high (fish meal is the #1 ingredient and there are added vitamins), resulting in little waste and clean water in pond settings . For aquarium use, the floating pellets make it easy to observe your bass eating; they encourage an aggressive surface feed response . User feedback from pond forums indicates largemouth and peacock bass readily learn to eat these pellets, and their growth rates are impressive when fed liberally. AquaMax is sold in bulk (often 20–50 lb bags), so it’s cost-effective if you have many large fish to feed. The downside is primarily availability/quantity – it’s a bulk farm feed, so one bag is a long-term supply. If you have the need and storage, AquaMax offers professional-grade nutrition for peacock bass at a lower cost per unit, with performance that competes with hobby brands.
Feeding Behavior Note: Peacock bass can be trained to take both floating and sinking pellets. Younger or newly introduced bass might respond better to sinking foods that drift past their field of view (mimicking a prey fish movement). As they grow confident, they will slam floating pellets at the surface. It’s wise to experiment – for instance, some hobbyists start their bass on sinking Massivore Delite then transition to floating sticks or vice versa. Ensure any uneaten food is removed (or use tankmates like catfish to scavenge), and adjust pellet size as the fish grows (peacock bass have big mouths but still prefer appropriately sized bites to avoid choking or spitting out overly hard pieces). Using high-protein pellets like those above, aquarium keepers have raised healthy, fast-growing peacock bass while maintaining water quality and enjoying the convenience of prepared foods over live prey. Each of the pellets listed has a strong track record in the community, so your choice may come down to availability and your fish’s preferences – some bass may favor one texture or flavor over another. Overall, a mix-and-match approach is often beneficial (for example, alternating Hikari and Omega One, or supplementing pellets with occasional whole frozen foods) to ensure a balanced, interesting diet. With the pellet options above, you can meet the nutritional needs of peacock bass and keep these beautiful predators thriving in your aquarium.
