Melanochromis auratus

Common Names:

Auratus

Synonyms:

Chromis auratus
Pseudotropheus auratus
Tilapia aurata

Family:

Cichlidae

Category:

Cichlids

Distribution:

Africa; Lake Malawi, Africa.

Main Ecosystem:

Rift Lake; Rift Lake

Temperament:

Territorial; Territoral, and very agressive.

Diet:

Ominvore; Omnivore

Care:

Feed flakes, small fish and worms. Many rocky caves are needed for hiding places and to establish territories. Melanochromis auratus will not destroy plants in the tank.

pH:

7 - 8.5

Temperature:

22°C - 27°C

72°F - 81°F

Hardness:

10 dH - 20 dH

Potential Size:

Male: 11cm (4.3")
Female: 11cm (4.3")

Water Region:

Middle, Bottom; Middle-Bottom

Activity:

Diurnal; Diurnal

Gender:

Males are larger and black with light blue or white stripes, while females are yellow, with black stripes edged in white. A female is pictured.

Breeding:

Not hard. Use a pH of 8.0 to 8.5, a higher temperature of 27°C and plenty of good live foods. Four or five females to one male is the best ratio to use. The male and any females that haven't spawned should be removed after spawning. The eggs are kept in the female's mouth for up to one month and she will not eat during that period. The babies are cared for up to 10 days.

Variants:

Comments:

A very popular cichlid.

Main Colours:

Yellow, Black

Markings:

Striped Horizontal

Mouth:

Normal

Tail:

Flat

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