The Auratus Cichlid is a stunning but notoriously aggressive Mbuna from Lake Malawi. They exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism. They are strictly rock-dwellers that graze on algae (aufwuchs). Due to their hyper-aggressive nature, they must be kept in species-only or carefully managed, overstocked Mbuna setups with a strict harem ratio (1 male to several females) to disperse aggression.
Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) At a Glance
Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) Tank Requirements
Will Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) Water Parameters
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Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) Temperament & Compatibility
Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Adult males undergo a dramatic color inversion, turning dark brown/black with light blue or yellow horizontal stripes. They are hyper-territorial and will fiercely attack or kill rival males and non-receptive females if space is insufficient.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Black Auratus, Adult Male
Female / Juvenile
Females and juveniles sport the iconic bright golden-yellow body with stark black and white horizontal stripes. While less aggressive than males, they are still highly territorial and require a pecking order.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Yellow Auratus, Golden Cichlid
Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) Care Guide Summary
The Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna), scientifically known as Melanochromis auratus, belongs to the Cichlids - African family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 11 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as highly aggressive, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 200 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 23°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 7.6–8.6 and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male and Female / Juvenile. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna), a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour and an established tank with natural algae growth, as they depend on it as a primary food source. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured and live planted layouts may be difficult to maintain, as this species tends to uproot or consume vegetation.
Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) Compatibility Notes
Classified as highly aggressive, the Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) is a social species that requires the company of its own kind to thrive. When choosing tankmates, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks, territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited, and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna).
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
180 Gallon Standard
240 Liter (120cm Standard)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna)
How big does Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) get?
Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) (Melanochromis auratus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 11 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 200 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna). This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) need?
Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 23–28°C, a pH between 7.6 and 8.6, and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) peaceful or aggressive?
Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) is classified as highly aggressive with an aggression score of 9 out of 10. Careful tankmate selection is essential to avoid conflict.
Can Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) live alone?
No, Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) should be kept in groups of at least 4 to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour.
Does Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) benefits from sand (sifters) and established algae (otocinclus) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna)
These plants pair well with Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna) based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Gillet's Anubias
Anubias gilletii
Java Fern
Leptochilus pteropus
Pothos
Epipremnum aureum
Fish Similar to Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna)
Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna)
Chindongo demasoni
A stunning but notoriously aggressive dwarf Mbuna from Lake Malawi. Known for its intense dark blue and black vertical stripes. They are strict herbivores (Aufwuchs grazers) and prone to 'Malawi Bloat' if fed high-protein diets. Due to extreme aggression toward their own kind, they require specific stocking densities.
Yellow Lab (Mbuna)
Labidochromis caeruleus
The Electric Yellow Lab is one of the most popular and widely kept African Cichlids from Lake Malawi. Classified as an Mbuna (rock-dwelling cichlid), they are famous for their vibrant yellow coloration and striking black dorsal stripes. While considered one of the most 'peaceful' Mbuna, they are still highly territorial cichlids that require hard, alkaline water, a sandy substrate for digging, and abundant rockwork to establish territories.
Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara)
Aulonocara sp.
Endemic to Lake Malawi, Peacock Cichlids are highly sought after for the breathtaking colors of the males. They are benthivorous, using sensory pores on their jaws to hunt small invertebrates in the sand. While territorial, they are generally peaceful compared to their aggressive Mbuna cousins. They require hard, alkaline water and a sandy substrate to prevent gill damage while sifting.
African Jewel Cichlid
Hemichromis bimaculatus
A strikingly beautiful but notoriously aggressive West African riverine cichlid. Unlike the alkaline-loving Rift Lake cichlids (e.g., Mbuna), Jewel Cichlids prefer neutral, softer water parameters. They are renowned for their brilliant red breeding dress and iridescent blue spots, but also for their extreme territoriality, especially when forming pairs and spawning. They are avid diggers and will uproot most plants.
Malawi Hawk
Aristochromis christyi
A large, specialized predatory cichlid native to Lake Malawi, commonly known as the 'Malawi Hawk'. It has a distinctive laterally compressed beak-like jaw and hunts by tilting forward to ambush prey. It is a formidable piscivore that will swallow any fish small enough to fit in its mouth. Best kept in a large Hap/Peacock setup with similarly sized, robust tank mates.
Fairy Cichlid (Brichardi)
Neolamprologus brichardi
An elegant but fiercely territorial Lake Tanganyika cichlid. They are famous for their complex social structure, forming massive, multi-generational colonies where older siblings help defend and raise new fry. Due to their extreme territoriality when breeding, they are best kept in a species-only tank, as they will aggressively eliminate non-colony tank mates.