Melanochromis auratus Female
Melanochromis auratus
Origin: Lake Malawi (southern rocky coast)
Water Parameters
Quick Stats
- Max Size
- 11 cm
- Min Tank
- 200 L
- Lifespan
- 8-10
- Swimming Level
- middle
- Schooling
- No
- Diet
- omnivore
- Temperament
- aggressive
About
The female (and juvenile) Melanochromis auratus displays the reverse colour of the male: a brilliant gold body with two bold black horizontal stripes and white fin edging. Often overlooked in favour of dramatic males, females retain their stunning gold livery throughout their lives and can hold their own in a mbuna community. An iconic Lake Malawi species.
Care Guide
Keep in a spacious aquarium of at least 200 L with hard alkaline water (pH 7.8–8.6). Provide abundant rockwork for territory and shelter. Feed quality cichlid pellets, spirulina, and algae-based foods. Highly aggressive — keep with other robust mbuna of similar size and aggression. Avoid keeping multiple males of the same species.
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