Auratus (Melanochromis auratus): care, temperament and tank mates

The Auratus (Melanochromis auratus) is one of the most recognizable African cichlids and one of the first to reach aquariums around the world. It is golden with black stripes when young, transforms as an adult, and has a strong temperament worth knowing before you buy. Here is the full guide.

A fish that changes color

The most curious thing about the Auratus is its pattern change. Juveniles and females are golden with two black stripes along the body. As the male matures, he reverses the colors: he turns dark blue, almost black, with light stripes and a white or pale blue edge on the dorsal fin. The change takes several months and is one reason to buy them young.

Quick facts

Scientific name	Melanochromis auratus
Group	Mbuna, Lake Malawi
Adult size	About 11 cm for males, slightly less for females
Temperament	Very territorial, among the most aggressive mbuna
Minimum tank	200 liters, 100 cm long or more
Water	pH 7.8 to 8.6, hard; 24 to 27 °C
Diet	Mostly plant-based: spirulina and algae
Breeding	Maternal mouthbrooder

Temperament: what to know

The Auratus is beautiful but not a calm fish. Males defend their territory with lots of energy, and females can be aggressive with each other too. To make it work:

• Keep a single male with 3 to 5 females. Two males in one tank almost always ends badly, except in very large tanks.
• Fill the tank with rocks and caves so females have places to hide.
• Keep the tank well stocked with other mbuna: aggression gets spread out.
• If one fish is being harassed nonstop, separate it before it gets hurt.

Feeding

In the lake, the Auratus grazes the algae and tiny organisms that grow on rocks. In the tank, the staple should be a spirulina-based or vegetable food, as flakes or small pellets. Animal protein such as brine shrimp or larvae only now and then: too much protein can cause "bloat", a serious digestive problem in mbuna. Feed small amounts once or twice a day. More in feeding mbuna and peacocks.

Tank mates

It does best with other robust mbuna in different colors that can hold their own:

• Good: the Red Zebra, tough and a very different orange. The Electric Yellow also works in large, well-decorated tanks, though it is calmer.
• Avoid: other Melanochromis such as the Chipokae. Their patterns are similar, they clash a lot and they can crossbreed.
• Avoid: peacocks and peaceful fish. The Auratus harasses them and wins every meal.
• Never with community tropical fish such as tetras, guppies or angelfish.

To build a full group, see compatible African cichlids for more combinations.

Breeding

Like many mbuna, the female carries the eggs in her mouth for about three weeks without eating, then releases fully formed fry. In a rocky tank with good food they breed readily. If you want to breed them, see our guide to responsible breeding.

Auratus available

We have juvenile Auratus of about 6 cm, a good age to build a group and watch them color up. Real photos of our fish, price, and pickup or delivery by Uber Flash.