Auratus Cichlid
Melanochromis auratus
What you need to keep a Auratus Cichlid
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pH
7.8–8.6
Temperature
24–28 °C
Where to buy
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Overview
What to know before you buy.
The Auratus Cichlid is an attractive but notoriously aggressive Mbuna. They exhibit dramatic sexual dimorphism; females and juveniles are yellow with black stripes, while dominant males are black with blue/yellow stripes. They are highly territorial and recommended only for experienced cichlid keepers with large tanks.
Key traits
Care guide
Keeping Auratus Cichlid healthy in a South African setup.
Tank setup
Size the aquarium to Auratus Cichlid's adult size and activity level. Use robust décor and sight breaks so each fish can hold its own space.
Water parameters
Keep pH 7.8–8.6 and 24–28°C. Stable parameters matter more than chasing perfect numbers; acclimate new arrivals slowly.
Feeding
Herbivore. Feed small amounts it clears in a couple of minutes, and vary the diet.
Behaviour
Aggressive. Watch it at feeding time and at lights-out to see its real temperament in your tank.
Tankmates
Choose robust tankmates of similar size, and nothing small enough to be eaten. Add Auratus Cichlid last so territories reset.
Breeding
Breeding success with Auratus Cichlid depends on the line and water chemistry; ask your shop about proven pairs.
Settling this fish in?
Condition the tap water, seed the filter, test through the first weeks — most early losses trace back to one of those.
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