Auratus Cichlid

• ExerciseVery high

  A powerful swimmer that needs a long tank and real swimming space.

• GroomingAttentive tank care

  Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• Living spaceNano-tank friendly

  Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment5–8 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Bloat (GDV) · Ich (white spot) · Fin rot

The Auratus (Melanochromis auratus) is a Lake Malawi rock dweller reaching about 10 to 11 cm. Juveniles and females are golden yellow with two black lines edged in white along the upper body; dominant males invert completely to dark brown-black with pale gold stripes, a change so total that owners regularly believe their fish was swapped. It grazes aufwuchs from rock in the wild and needs the same vegetable-led diet as other mbuna. Keep it at 24-27C, pH 7.8 to 8.6 in hard water, in 250 litres or more with dense rockwork. Feed spirulina flake and algae wafers, keeping protein low to avoid bloat. The honest warning matters more than the care sheet here: a mature male auratus is relentless, will kill other males of his own species in anything short of a very large tank, and routinely hounds unrelated species to death as well. It suits only an experienced keeper running a large, heavily stocked mbuna tank with a hiding place for every fish, and it is a poor choice as a first cichlid no matter how good the juvenile looks in the shop.

• How active is a Auratus Cichlid?

  Very high. A powerful swimmer that needs a long tank and real swimming space.

• How much maintenance does a Auratus Cichlid need?

  Attentive tank care. Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• What tank size does a Auratus Cichlid need?

  Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Is a Auratus Cichlid a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Auratus Cichlid live?

  5–8 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Auratus Cichlid?

  Keep an eye out for Bloat (GDV), Ich (white spot), Fin rot. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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