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…
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
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
Auratus Cichlid Breeding Guide
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.