| Scientific Name: Melanochromis auratus |
| Pronunciation: m
|
| Geo. Origin: Jalo reef to Crockodile Rock |
| Habitat: Sediment-Rich Rocky Habitat |
| Diet: Omnivore |
| Gender Differences: Dimorphic |
| Breeding: Maternal Mouthbrooder |
| Temperament: Highly Aggressive |
| Conspecific Temperament: Extremely Aggressive |
| Maximum Size: 5" |
| Temperature: 78 - 82°F |
| pH: 7.8 - 8.6 |
| Water Hardness: Hard |
| Difficulty: 4 |
Images: |
Adult male Adult male Holding female Adult male 2" female Male changing colors Juvenile Large female Subadult female Changing colors Female Transforming male |
Photo Credit: Marc Elieson |
Comments: |
M. Auratus was one of the first cichlids to be exported from Lake Malawi. The males will only defend a territory when females are present, but will leave it as soon as no females appear interested. The males are extremely aggressive towards other males and will try to kill any other male of its species. Due to the risk of hybridization, they should not be kept with other Melanochromis species. Basic coloration is bright yellow with black horizontal bars. Males have a dark brown belly. |