Aurora Cichlid (Maylandia aurora) Care Guide
Maylandia aurora is a mbuna cichlid from Likoma Island in Lake Malawi, with golden flanks and a blue head in dominant males.
Overview
Maylandia aurora is a rock-dwelling mbuna cichlid of Lake Malawi, described by Burgess in 1976. Dominant males show yellow-orange flanks and a blue head. It is also known under the synonyms Pseudotropheus aurora and Metriaclima aurora.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Maylandia
- Scientific name: Maylandia aurora
- Synonyms: Pseudotropheus aurora, Metriaclima aurora
Habitat
The species is endemic to Lake Malawi, occurring around Likoma Island and along the Mozambique coast between Mara Point and Tumbi Point, with introduced populations at Otter Point and Thumbi West Island. It lives at the intermediate rock-sand interface, usually at 2-5 m depth (recorded to 12 m).
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 300 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 7.8-8.6
- GH: 10-20 °dGH
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
- Substrate: sand with rockwork forming territories
Diet
The species feeds at a low trophic level (about 2.0), grazing algae and associated material. A herbivorous, vegetable-based diet is appropriate; excessive animal protein should be avoided.
Compatibility
It is an aggressive, territorial mbuna. Males hold territories over medium and large rocks, while females, juveniles and non-territorial males may gather in groups of up to 30. It is best kept with other mbuna of similar aggression and with rift-lake catfishes such as Synodontis petricola; peaceful or soft-water species and other yellow mbuna should be avoided.
Breeding
It is a maternal mouthbrooder, producing about 40-70 eggs per spawn; the female incubates eggs and fry in her mouth.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2018).