Cichlids - African Rift Lake
Auratus Cichlid
Melanochromis auratus
Also known as: Golden Mbuna
A striking but notably aggressive mbuna; females are gold, males turn dark.
- Water
- Freshwater
- Temperature
- 76–82°F
- pH
- 7.8–8.6
- Hardness
- 10–25 dGH
- Max size
- 4.5 in
- Min tank
- 50 gal
- Temperament
- Aggressive
- Social
- Social
- Swim level
- All
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Lifespan
- 5-8 years
- Breeding
- Mouthbrooder
- Suitability
- Advanced
- Origin
- Lake Malawi (Africa)
One of the more pugnacious Malawi cichlids, requiring a large rocky tank and careful tankmate choices. Dramatic color change between sexes. Best for keepers experienced with managing mbuna aggression.