Fish
Auratus Cichlid
Melanochromis auratus
Origin: Melanochromis auratus is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. It is a rock-dwelling mbuna: it inhabits rocky shoreline zones, rasping algal growth off the rocks.
Also known as: Golden mbuna, Malawi golden cichlid, Melanochromis auratus
Fact sheet
- Size
- 11 cm
- Lifespan
- 8 years
- Minimum tank size
- 200 L
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C
- pH
- 7.6–8.6
- Hardness GH
- 10–25 °dH
- Temperament
- Aggressive
- Social behavior
- Harem
- Group size
- 4+ individuals
- Swimming zone
- Middle, Bottom
- Diet
- Herbivore
- Jumps out
- Yes
- Eats plants
- Yes
Overview
The auratus cichlid is a bright but one of the most aggressive Malawi mbuna. Females and juveniles are golden-yellow with black-and-white longitudinal stripes, while dominant males change to almost the opposite — dark brown with bluish-white stripes. It is an active, extremely territorial, quarrelsome fish kept in a rocky tank with hard alkaline water and dense stocking to spread aggression. It suits African-cichlid keepers ready to manage a difficult temperament.
Appearance
The body is elongated and sturdy, up to 11 cm (males larger). Females and juveniles are bright golden-yellow with two black longitudinal stripes edged in white. Dominant males darken to black-brown with bluish-white stripes (the colour seems to 'invert'). The male's anal fin carries egg-spot releasers.
Care
A tank of at least 200 L with abundant rocks, caves, and a sandy bottom. Temperature 24–28 °C, pH 7.6–8.6, hardness GH 10–25 — hard, alkaline water. Powerful filtration, aeration, and regular water changes are needed. Dense stocking and plenty of cover spread male aggression.
Feeding
A herbivore leaning on growth. The diet is based on vegetable flakes and pellets with spirulina, algae wafers, and blanched vegetables. Excess animal protein causes bloat ('Malawi bloat'). Feed small portions once or twice daily.
Compatibility
One of the most aggressive mbuna. Keep as a harem (one male to 3–4 females) only with other large, aggressive mbuna. Do not combine with peaceful or small fish. Males are intolerant of each other and of similar species.
Breeding
The female is a mouthbrooder. After spawning she incubates the eggs in her mouth for about 3 weeks without feeding, then releases the fry. Breeding is easy, but the male's aggression toward the female calls for cover and space.
Fun facts
The auratus is famous for its colour 'inversion': the dominant male looks almost like a negative of the golden female. It is one of the most aggressive mbuna, not recommended for mixed peaceful tanks. Males can change colour with social status.