Species profile
Auratus Cichlid
Melanochromis auratus
Aggressive
Moderate care
240 L minimum aquarium
9–11 cm adult size
Mid bottom
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
One of the most aggressive common mbuna. Use substantial rockwork and plan stocking around its territorial behaviour.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–27 °C
pH
7.8–8.6
GH
10–15 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Mid bottom
Territory level
High
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
3
Highly territorial, especially adult males. If kept as a breeding group, use one male with multiple females and enough rockwork/sight breaks to distribute aggression.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
Yes / caution
Plant safe
Caution
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
No / caution
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Herbivore
Minimum aquarium volume
240 L
Minimum footprint
120 × 45 cm
Accepted scientific name
Melanochromis auratus
Alternative names
Auratus Cichlid, Golden Mbuna, Melanochromis auratus
Native range
Lake Malawi, East Africa.
Natural habitat
Rocky littoral zones where fish graze algal biocover. Use dense stable rock piles, caves, open grazing faces and strong filtration.
Diet & feeding
Primarily grazes algal biocover/periphyton with associated small organisms. Use a fibre/plant-rich mbuna diet and avoid excessive rich animal protein.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Strong adult colour dimorphism: females/juveniles are yellow with dark stripes while dominant adult males become much darker; subordinate males can delay full male colour.
Breeding
Maternal mouthbrooder. A male courts multiple females; the female carries eggs/fry in her mouth until release.