African Cichlid | Auratus Cichlid

Scientific Name:  Melanochromis auratus

Common Name:  Golden Mbuna, Golden cichlid, Malawi Golden Cichlid, Golden Pseudotropheus

Adult Size: 4-5 inches

Life Expectancy: 5 years

Habitat: Lake Malawi

Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons

Ideal Tank Conditions: 

• Temperature Range: 78°F
• pH Range: 7.0-8.0
• Hardness Range: 6 - 10

Temperament: Aggressive

Diet & Nutrition: Omnivore but has a very herbivorous diet in nature, so may eat any plant you put in the tank. Need to be fed small meals of dry, fresh and frozen foods rich in vegetable matter several times a day. Spirulina is highly recommended as a staple food. These foods will help keep the colors bright.

Breeding & Spawning: Mouthbrooders; females hold their fertilized eggs and fry in their mouth for a few weeks before releasing the fry.

Gender: Males have gold and neon blue stripes over a black background and females have black and neon blue stripes over a golden background.

Compatible Tank Mates: See Compatibility Chart