Auratus Cichlid (Melanochromis auratus)

Auratus Cichlid (Melanochromis auratus) is a beautiful, active and highly territorial African cichlid from Lake Malawi. Females and juveniles display contrasting yellow and black coloration, while mature males develop a darker body with lighter horizontal stripes. It reaches approximately 10-12 cm and does best in a well-established aquarium with rocks, plenty of hiding places, a sandy substrate and hard, stable water. It can be kept with other Lake Malawi cichlids, but is not a good choice for a peaceful community aquarium due to its potentially aggressive behaviour.