Auratus Cichlid

Melanochromis auratus

📍 Africa - Lake Malawi

The Auratus Cichlid is a striking African cichlid from Lake Malawi known for its bold yellow and black coloration in males. This aggressive species requires experienced aquarists and careful tank management due to its territorial nature and specific water requirements. Males display vibrant colors and dominant behavior, making them popular but challenging for dedicated hobbyists.

Size4.3"

Min Tank55g

aggressive

Zoneall

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Care Guide

Diet

Feed a varied diet of high-quality cichlid pellets, spirulina-based foods, and occasional live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms. Provide herbivorous foods 2-3 times weekly as they are primarily algae-eaters in nature. Feed once or twice daily in amounts they can consume within 2-3 minutes.

Behavior

Auratus Cichlids are highly territorial and aggressive, especially males who establish and defend territories vigorously. They are active swimmers that constantly patrol their domain and display elaborate fin displays during confrontations. These fish are best kept singly or in large tanks with multiple hiding spots to reduce aggression.

Breeding

Breeding is moderately difficult and requires separate breeding tanks with stable water conditions and plenty of hiding spots. Males are mouthbrooders and will aggressively defend fry. Provide caves or PVC pipes for spawning sites and ensure excellent water quality during breeding.

Tank Mates

Neon Tetra

May be nipped or eaten; only in very large tanks with dense vegetation

caution

Otocinclus

Can work if tank is large enough; may be harassed during territorial disputes

caution

Bristlenose Pleco

Nocturnal and can coexist if adequate space and hiding spots provided

good

Macmasteri Dwarf Cichlid

Similar aggression levels; requires very large tank with multiple territories

caution

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, rubbing against objects, loss of appetite

Treatment

Raise water temperature to 28-30 C (82-86 F), perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt or commercial ich treatment; maintain for 10-14 days

Malawi Bloat

Symptoms

Abdominal swelling, loss of appetite, lethargy, difficulty swimming, pale coloration

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent water changes, feed quality herbivorous foods, reduce protein intake, use medicated food if bacterial; may require antibiotics in severe cases

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fins, white or cloudy edges on fins, lethargy

Treatment

Perform 25-50% water changes every 2-3 days, improve water quality, use antibiotic medication or salt treatment; remove any sharp decorations causing injury

Hole-in-the-Head Disease

Symptoms

Small holes or pits in the head region, loss of appetite, lethargy, white stringy feces

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent changes, feed quality foods with vitamins, use medicated food containing metronidazole; ensure adequate filtration and carbon in filter