Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Auratus Cichlid
Melanochromis auratus (Boulenger, 1897)
Also called Golden Mbuna, Malawi Golden Cichlid, Auratus
From Endemic to Lake Malawi, East Africa: rocky shores, reefs and islands in the southern part of the lake, from Jalo Reef down the west coast and up the east coast to Nkhomo Reef.123
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Slender, elongated mbuna
A slim cichlid with bold horizontal stripes. Young fish and females are golden yellow with black and white lines, while dominant males turn dark brown or black with pale blue or yellow stripes.23
Personality what they are like
A spirited, strongly territorial mbuna, best for keepers with some Malawi experience. It does well with other robust mbuna but not with peaceful fish such as peacock cichlids.31
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Constantly on the move, nibbling algae off rocks and patrolling its territory.13
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Hard, alkaline water with strong filtration and regular partial water changes. Do not mix with other Melanochromis species, so lines stay pure.3
Home where they are happiest
Aquarium of at least about 120 x 45 cm (around 205 litres), plenty of rock caves to break up sight lines, temperature 22-28 C, pH 7.0-8.8, hardness about 10-25 dGH.31
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A grazer that picks algae and small organisms from rock surfaces. Feed plenty of vegetable food such as spirulina flakes and blanched spinach, plus some live or frozen food.13
Company who they like around
Keep one male with several females and a fairly well-stocked tank of other mbuna; even females like their own space.13
The story where it all began
Described by George Boulenger in 1897, it is one of the earliest-known Malawi cichlids. It was among the first mbuna to become widely popular in aquariums, and it remains a classic.13
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Males and females look like different species: golden females versus dark, almost black males.2
- 2
In a group, only the top male wears the dark colours; when he is removed, the next male in line darkens to replace him.2
- 3
A female can carry up to about 40 eggs in her mouth.1
- 4
The fry can eat baby brine shrimp as soon as their mother releases them.3
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 20 June 2018)1
- Taxonomy
- Described by Boulenger in 18971
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Auratus Cichlid. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Auratus Cichlid?
Feed your Auratus Cichlid small amounts once or twice a day, as Furry Diary's starting plan suggests. This grazer picks algae and small organisms from rocks, so offer vegetable-based foods like spirulina flakes and blanched spinach, plus some live or frozen food.13 Furry Diary plan
What does an Auratus Cichlid eat, and what should it never eat?
Your Auratus Cichlid enjoys spirulina flakes, blanched spinach, and occasional live or frozen foods. Avoid foods that are not suitable for a herbivorous cichlid, but for specific items to never feed, ask your vet or a good breeder for guidance.13
How much space does an Auratus Cichlid need?
An Auratus Cichlid needs an aquarium of at least 120 x 45 cm, which is around 205 litres. Provide plenty of rock caves to break up sight lines and give each fish its own territory.31
What temperature, light or water does an Auratus Cichlid need?
Keep the water temperature between 22-28°C, with a pH of 7.0-8.8 and hardness of 10-25 dGH. Strong filtration is important, and while light needs aren't specified, a natural day cycle works well.31
How often should I clean an Auratus Cichlid's home?
Furry Diary's plan suggests a weekly 25% water change and glass cleaning, plus a monthly filter rinse using old tank water. Regular partial water changes keep the hard, alkaline water in good shape. Furry Diary plan
Can an Auratus Cichlid live with others?
Yes, but choose tankmates carefully. Keep one male with several females and other robust mbuna, not peaceful fish like peacock cichlids. Avoid mixing with other Melanochromis species to keep lines pure.13
How long does an Auratus Cichlid live?
Lifespan varies depending on care and environment. For a reliable estimate, ask your vet or a good breeder who knows this species well.
Can I handle an Auratus Cichlid?
Handling is not recommended as fish are delicate and easily stressed. If you need to move your cichlid, ask your vet for the safest method.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FishBase: Melanochromis auratus fishbase.seused for taxonomy, size, water, distribution, IUCN, breeding
- Wikipedia: Melanochromis auratus en.wikipedia.orgused for names, colouring, fun facts
- Seriously Fish: Melanochromis auratus seriouslyfish.comused for care, water, diet, behaviour, breeding
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.