Malawi golden cichlid - Melanochromis auratus

Scientific name: Melanochromis auratus

Common name: Malawi golden cichlid

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 10 - 12 cm (3.94 - 4.72 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 7.5 - 8.9

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 10 - 25°N (178.57 - 446.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 22 - 27 °C (71.6 - 80.6°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Africa

Temperament to its own species: aggressive/territorial

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive/territorial

Usual place in the tank: Top levels

Food

This omnivore will accept a variety of prepared foods.

Sexing

This young fish is typically yellow with white-lined black stripes on both their bodies and dorsal fins. The females keep the same color patterns throughout their lives while the males morph in coloration. They develop dark blue-grey bodies while their stripes fade to a bluish-silvery color.

Breeding

The Golden Malawi Cichlid is a mouthbrooding cichlid. For each male there should be multiple female companions. The female will keep her brood for 3-4 weeks. These fish are very aggressive when ready to mate.

Lifespan

8-10 years.

Origin

The M. auratus is from the rocky shores of Lake Malawi in the East African Rift Valley.

Description

This is a very aggressive fish who should only be in an aquarium with equally aggressive fish or in a species aquarium with one male with a few females.

Sources

The Encyclopedia of Aquarium Fish by Dick MillsAquarium Fishes of the World by Dr. Herbert R. Axelrod, Dr. Warren E. Burgess, Neal Pronek, Glen S. Axelrod, David E. Boruchowitz

Picture

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.