Auratus Cichlid (Melanochromis auratus) Care Guide
One of the most aggressive mbuna from Lake Malawi. Females and juveniles are bright gold with black and white horizontal stripes, while dominant males become dark black with light blue stripes — a dra…
Overview
Melanochromis auratus is a species in the family Cichlidae. One of the most aggressive mbuna from Lake Malawi. Females and juveniles are bright gold with black and white horizontal stripes, while dominant males become dark black with light blue stripes — a dramatic reversal. Not recommended for beginners due to extreme territorial aggression, especially in males.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Melanochromis
- Scientific name: Melanochromis auratus
- Other names: Golden Mbuna, Malawi Golden Cichlid
- Origin: Africa, Lake Malawi
Habitat
Endemic to the rocky shoreline of Lake Malawi. A mbuna that grazes algal aufwuchs and feeds on associated invertebrates. Males turn dark with light stripes when dominant; the species is markedly aggressive and territorial. Formerly placed in the genus Pseudotropheus.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C
- pH: 7.5-8.5
- GH: 10-20 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Adult size: 8-11 cm
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
- Difficulty: advanced
Diet
Classified as herbivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.
Compatibility
- Temperament: aggressive
- Swimming level: middle
- Compatible tank mates: Other Aggressive Mbuna, Synodontis
- Avoid with: Peacock Cichlids, Haplochromis, Small Fish, Peaceful Fish
Breeding
- Breeding strategy: mouthbrooder
- Breeding difficulty: beginner