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: Middle levels

Food and Feeding

The Malawi Golden Cichlid (Melanochromis auratus) is an omnivore that requires a balanced diet for optimal health. Their primary diet should consist of high-quality spirulina-based flakes, cichlid pellets, and vegetable matter such as blanched spinach, zucchini, or lettuce. While they may accept live and frozen foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia, high-protein foods should be offered sparingly to prevent digestive issues. Feeding them small portions multiple times a day will help maintain their metabolism and reduce aggression.

Sexing

Juvenile Melanochromis auratus are typically bright yellow with black horizontal stripes edged in white, running along their bodies and dorsal fins. Females retain this coloration throughout their lives, while males undergo a dramatic transformation. As they mature, males develop a dark blue-grey body, and their stripes fade into a silvery-blue hue. This color shift helps differentiate dominant males from females in an aquarium setting.

Breeding

Like many Mbuna species, the Malawi Golden Cichlid is a maternal mouthbrooder. During spawning, the female collects the fertilized eggs in her mouth and incubates them for approximately 3–4 weeks. A single male should be kept with multiple females to reduce aggression. Males become extremely territorial and aggressive during the breeding process, so providing multiple hiding spots and rock formations is crucial. Once released, the fry can be fed finely crushed spirulina flakes and baby brine shrimp.

Lifespan

With proper care, Melanochromis auratus can live between 8 to 10 years. Maintaining stable water conditions, providing a well-balanced diet, and minimizing stress will contribute to a long, healthy life.

Origin and Natural Habitat

Native to Lake Malawi in the East African Rift Valley, the Malawi Golden Cichlid inhabits rocky shorelines where they claim small territories among crevices and caves. Their natural environment consists of alkaline, mineral-rich water with moderate currents, conditions that should be replicated in captivity.

Tank Requirements and Behavior

The Malawi Golden Cichlid is one of the most aggressive Mbuna species and should only be housed with equally aggressive tankmates. A minimum tank size of 150 liters (40 gallons) is required, with larger tanks preferred for multiple individuals. The aquarium should include plenty of rock structures to establish territories and minimize conflicts. Due to their territorial nature, it is best to keep a single male with several females or maintain them in a large Mbuna community to disperse aggression.

Suitable Tankmates

Due to their highly aggressive temperament, Melanochromis auratus should only be kept with similarly aggressive Mbuna cichlids that can defend themselves. Suitable tankmates include:

• Zebra Cichlid (Maylandia zebra)
• Demasoni Cichlid (Pseudotropheus demasoni)
• Trewavas Mbuna (Labeotropheus trewavasae)
• Slender Mbuna (Pseudotropheus elongatus)

Suitable Plants

Mbuna cichlids are known for uprooting plants, so only hardy species should be introduced into the aquarium. Some suitable options include:

• Anubias (Anubias spp.)
• Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus)
• Vallisneria (Vallisneria spp.)

Short Description

The Malawi Golden Cichlid (Melanochromis auratus) is a striking yet highly aggressive Mbuna species from Lake Malawi. Known for its vibrant coloration and dramatic male transformation, it requires a carefully planned tank setup to accommodate its territorial nature. It thrives in rocky environments with ample hiding spaces and should only be housed with other robust Mbuna cichlids. Due to its aggressive temperament, it is recommended for experienced cichlid keepers who can manage its challenging behavior.

Picture

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