M. Auratus Cichlid

Scientific Name: Melanochromis auratus
Recommended Aquarium: 30+ Gallons
Approx. Adult Size: 4 inches
Temperament: Aggressive
Ease of Care: Easy
Diet: Omnivore
Native Waters: Africa

M. Auratus Cichlid comes from Lake Malawi and was first described by Boulenger in 1897. It is currently a member of the "rock dwelling" cichlids, also known as the Mbuna. Juveniles have a yellow body with horizontal black stripes, and while the female keeps this coloration, the male almost reverses having a body with black coloration and horizontal yellow/white stripes. The Auratus is a mouth brooder. If you plan to keep this fish with other Mbuna, make sure they have very dissimilar coloration so they do not pose as much of a "threat" to the males. Since the Auratus will spend most of its time in or near the rocks, it can be kept with open water swimmers.

Approximate arrival size for Auratus Cichlid: Small 1 to 2 inches