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Melanochromis auratus
Juvenile/female colouration
Photo taken at Wharf Aquatics
© Sean Evans
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| Common name: | Malawi golden cichlid |
| Scientific name: | Melanochromis auratus |
| Synonyms: | (none) |
| Size: | 4" (10cm) |
| Origin: | Lake Malawi, East Africa |
| Tank setup: | A large tank with many rock caves. |
| Compatibility: | Can be very aggressive, combine with other larger mbuna species. It is not advisable to keep more
than one male (or similar males of other Melanochromis). At least three females should be kept, to prevent constant harassment
of a single female. |
| Temperature: | 23-28oC (73-82oF) |
| Water chemistry: | Hard and alkaline: pH 7.6-8.6 ; GH 7 plus ; KH 10-12 ideally, but at least 6. |
| Feeding: | Feeds on algae and the organisms within it. Will accept most aquarium foods, include a vegetable component in the diet. |
| Sexing: | Colouration in juveniles is identical, but older males show much darker colour. |
| Breeding: | Mouthbrooder, see general article linked below. |
| Comments: |
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See also the Malawi mbuna section for more detailed info on keeping and breeding the Malawi mbuna cichlids.
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