Auratus Cichlid (Melanochromis Auratus)

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Category:

African Cichlids, Lake Malawi

Common Name: Auratus Cichlid

Scientific Name: Melanochromis Auratus

Temperature	pH Range	Hardness (dH)	Max. Size	Min. Tank Size	Swim Area
72F - 79F	7.0 - 8.5	15dh	5 inches	55 gallons	Bottom and Middle

Description:

Belligerent and territorial, one male and four to five females should be kept together in an aquarium where there are plenty of hiding places. This cichlid is typically intolerant of other fish.

Origin:

Lake Malawi

Life Span:

5 years

Diet:

Omnivore

Additional Diet Information:

Flakes, frozen, algae

Gender Difference:

Dimorphic

Juveniles: Bright yellow, with 2 white-edged black bars on the upper half of the body from the snout to the end of the caudal fin. A third, bordered dark line runs along the middle of the dorsal fin.

Mature Male: Dark blue-black bodies marked by silvery blue horizontal lines.

Female: Retain the yellow juvenile coloration.

Breeding:

Maternal Mouthbrooder

The female takes up the eggs which are fertilized orally. Her care lasts for about a week after the fry hatch.

Temperament/Social Behavior:

• Aggressive, Territorial, Aggressive when spawning, Males aggressive toward females

Common Diseases:

Malawi Bloat

Availability:

Easily Obtained

Additional Information or Photos
female_auratus2.jpgauratus_fry.jpgfemale_auratus.jpg