Auratus Cichlid Breeding Guide

Breeding Melanochromis auratus: sexing by the dramatic male colour change, managing extreme aggression, maternal mouthbrooding and rearing the fry.

Overview

Melanochromis auratus is an mbuna endemic to the southern region of Lake Malawi, from Jalo Reef southward along the western coast to Crocodile Rocks. Like many Lake Malawi cichlids it is a maternal mouthbrooder, but its extreme territorial aggression makes managed breeding the main challenge.

Sexing

Sexing is by a dramatic colour reversal. Juveniles and females display bright yellow with black and white stripes on the upper body, while adult males show drastically different dark brown or black bodies with light blue or yellow stripes. In aquaria a dominant male develops black colour while subordinate fish keep the female yellow pattern, so apparent sex can change with social rank.

Conditioning

The species grows to about 11 cm. Condition broodstock on a balanced diet in clean, stable hard water within Lake Malawi parameters before attempting to spawn them.

Breeding Setup

Because one dominant male typically rules the tank with others kept in submissive coloration, heavy rockwork and a generous female-to-male ratio are essential to disperse aggression. Lake Malawi cichlids thrive at pH 7.5-8.4 and 25-29 °C (77-84 °F).

Spawning Behavior & Trigger

The dominant male courts a female on his territory; she lays eggs, takes them into her mouth and they are fertilised. A settled hierarchy and stable warm, hard water are the main triggers.

Egg & Fry Care

Females hold the fertilised eggs and fry in their mouths for a few weeks before releasing the fry. Released fry take crushed flake and newly hatched brine shrimp; given the species' aggression, rearing the female and brood separately reduces stress and losses.