Family: Cichlidae
Auratus — a Cichlidae from Lake Malawi, Africa, feisty around breeding time; plan territory in advance. Reaches 8.2–12.1 cm; pairs or harems in tanks with broken sightlines. 22–26 °C.
Melanochromis auratus, a member of the family Cichlidae, comes from Lake Malawi, Africa, where it inhabits lakes and slow rivers with structure. Feisty around breeding time; plan territory in advance and hearty eater; feed pellets with regular vegetable matter, it grows to 8.2–12.1 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 22–26 °C range. In a community tank it pairs well with Other cichlids of similar size and temperament.
Difficulty: moderate. Feisty around breeding time; plan territory in advance. Pairs or harems in tanks with broken sightlines.
Set the heater to 22–26 °C and avoid swings. pH 7–8.5, GH 10–15 dGH suit it.
Full size is 8.2–12.1 cm. Minimum tank: 176 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.
Hearty eater; feed pellets with regular vegetable matter. It forages naturally over sand with rock piles, so let some food reach the bottom.
Yes, with care. Feisty around breeding time; plan territory in advance — pair it with Other cichlids of similar size and temperament — Balance aggression across the tank and skip Delicate planted-tank species — Uprooted and outcompeted.
Native to Lake Malawi, Africa, where it lives in lakes and slow rivers with structure. Still to gentle current; Moderate.
Jumping is not a known issue; cover the tank anyway during water changes.
Both parents guard eggs and fry for weeks. Often striking; males larger and brighter.