Melanochromis auratus
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| Malawi Golden Cichlid | |
| |
| Malawi Golden Cichlid | |
| Species | Melanochromis auratus |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Min. Tank Size | 170.344 liters 170,343.53 mL 45 US Gallons (170.3L) |
| Size | 10.16 cm
3-4 " (7.6-10.2cm) |
| pH | 7.5 - 8.5 |
| Temp. | 295.15 K 71.6 °F 531.27 °R 299.15 K |
| Water Hardness |
15-20 |
| Stocking Ratio | 1:3 M:F |
| Availability | Uncommon |
| Diet | |
| Life Span |
5-8 years |
Contents |
[edit] Alternative names
- Auratus, Malawi Golden Cichlid, Golden Mbuna
[edit] Sexing
- The male and female auratus have completely different colouration. The female is slightly smaller and her body is a golden yellow with black/brown lateral stripes which are bordered in white. The fins are also yellow. The male's body is black/brown in colour with a yellow stripe running the length of the body. The top of his body is a mustard color which is followed up through the dorsal fin.
- It must be noted that this fish has the capability of changing sex, in an environment devoid of males, a female will switch sex. It's less common for males to switch to female.
[edit] Tank compatibility
- An aggressive fish, keep this fish in an African Cichlid set up only.
[edit] Diet
- Will take most foods including pellet, flake and live/frozen foods. The Auratus will also graze on algae and supplementing their diet with spirulina is beneficial.
[edit] Feeding regime
- Feed once or twice a day.
[edit] Environment Specifics
- Prefers rockwork decor with hiding places. Does best in hard alkaline water. Good substrate choices could be Dolomite or crushed coral to aid in buffering the water.
[edit] Behaviour
- An aggressive and territorial fish.
[edit] Identification
- See sexing. The fish is fairly elongated with the anal and dorsal fins being fairly rounded, whereas the caudal fin is more triangular.
[edit] Pictures
 Auratus Cichlid |
