- Description The Right Protein Sources Make All the Difference African Cichlids have specific dietary needs that many generic cichlid foods fail to address. Feeding the wrong proteins, particularly land based meats like beef heart or poultry, can disrupt the digestive system and trigger Malawi Bloat, a potentially fatal condition caused by an overgrowth of internal flagellates in the gut. Our African Cichlid Flake eliminates this risk entirely by using only marine and insect based protein sources that these fish are naturally equipped to digest efficiently. Why Protein Source Matters More Than Protein Content The danger with African Cichlids is not protein itself but the source of that protein. Our formula delivers 47.6% protein entirely from marine and insect sources including whole mysis shrimp, whole brine shrimp, deshelled artemia, arctic copepods, krill, salmon meal, black soldier fly larvae, and marine plankton. These are the types of proteins African Cichlids have evolved to process efficiently, providing excellent nutrition without the digestive stress associated with land based meats. Active Beneficial Bacteria This formula includes active beneficial bacteria specifically to support digestive health in African Cichlids. By helping to maintain a healthy balance of gut flora, the beneficial bacteria work to reduce the risk of the digestive imbalances that can lead to bloat, supporting long term health and vitality. Natural Color Enhancement Rather than relying on synthetic color enhancers, this formula delivers 250ppm of astaxanthin primarily through natural shrimp sources alongside spirulina and Carophyll. This combination supports the vibrant blues, yellows, and oranges that African Cichlids are known for without compromising digestive health. Do Not Use Generic Cichlid Flake Generic cichlid flake mixes frequently contain land based meat products that can cause digestive distress in African Cichlids. Even products labeled as cichlid food may not be appropriate for African species. If you keep African Cichlids, always verify that protein sources are marine or insect based before feeding. How to Feed Feed only what can be consumed within a few minutes. Remove any uneaten portions promptly to maintain water quality. Use as the staple diet for omnivore African Cichlid species. Storage Store in a cool dry place in a sealed container away from heat and moisture to maintain freshness. Ingredients: Whole Mysis Shrimp, Whole Brine Shrimp, Fish Protein Hydrolysate, Frozen Whole Arctic Copepods, Deshelled Artemia, Whole Salmon Meal, Soy, Yeast, Whole Wheat, Egg, Spirulina, Rockweed, Garlic, Whole Krill Meal, Refined Marine Fish Oil, Lecithin, Krill Oil, Paracoccus, Calanoid Copepod Powder, Casein, Whole Marine Plankton, Hi-Allicin Garlic, Black Soldier Fly Larvae, Chlorella, Chlorophyll, Schizochitrium, Carophyll, Vitamin and Mineral Premix, Beta Carotene, Stabilized Vitamin C, Active Beneficial Bacteria, Corn Starch, B Vitamin Complex, Folic Acid, Menadione (K3), Vitamin A, D3, E, Biotin. Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 47.6% min, Crude Lipids 10.5% min, Ash 3.7% max, Crude Fiber 1% max, Moisture 9.4% max, Vitamin C 700 ppm, Astaxanthin 250 ppm