Why has my yellow Auratus Cichlid turned black?

This is a natural colour reversal that occurs when a male matures and becomes dominant. Juveniles of both sexes are yellow with black stripes, but dominant males turn dark brown or black with light blue or pale gold stripes.

Can I keep two male Auratus together?

It is highly discouraged. Male Auratus are exceptionally aggressive and territorial. In a standard aquarium, the dominant male will almost certainly harass the subdominant male to death.

What is the best male-to-female ratio for this species?

They should be kept in a harem of one male to at least three or four females. This disperses the male's relentless breeding attention and aggression, preventing any single female from being bullied to exhaustion.

Are Auratus Cichlids safe for a planted tank?

No. As enthusiastic herbivores and active diggers, they will uproot, shred, and consume most live aquarium plants. Only the hardiest plants attached to wood or rock, such as Anubias or Java Fern, might survive their attention.

What should I feed my Auratus to prevent Malawi bloat?

Feed a staple diet of high-quality vegetable-based flakes or pellets containing spirulina. Supplement with blanched vegetables. Strictly avoid bloodworms, beef heart, and other rich, meaty foods.

FreshwaterTropicalIntermediate

Auratus Cichlid

Melanochromis auratus

The Auratus Cichlid is a striking and highly active Lake Malawi mbuna, famed for the dramatic colour reversal between males and females, but notorious for its extreme territorial aggression.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 28 °C
pH range: 7.6 – 8.6
Hardness: 10 – 25 dGH
Adult size: 9 – 11 cm
200L (minimum 120cm length): 200 litres+
Lifespan: 8 – 10 years
Diet: Herbivore (aufwuchs grazer)
Water flow: moderate
Preferred setup: Extensive rockwork reaching the surface to create abundant caves, crevices, and broken sightlines. Sandy substrate.

About the Auratus Cichlid

Introduced to the hobby decades ago, Melanochromis auratus remains one of the most recognisable African cichlids. Females and juveniles boast vivid yellow bodies broken by bold black and white horizontal stripes. As males mature and establish dominance, they undergo a complete colour reversal, adopting a dark brown or black body with electric blue to pale golden stripes. While undeniably beautiful, this species is among the most belligerent of the mbuna, demanding a highly structured environment and careful stocking.

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Is it right for your tank?

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Where Auratus Cichlid comes from

Native range

Lake Malawi, East Africa

Countries / regions

Malawi

Habitat

Rocky shorelines in the southern portion of Lake Malawi, specifically in areas with heavy algal growth.

Endemic to Lake Malawi, primarily found from Jalo Reef southwards to Crocodile Rocks.

Similar species

Maingano Cichlid
Pseudotropheus cyaneorhabdos
Johanni Cichlid
Pseudotropheus johannii
Chipokae Cichlid
Melanochromis chipokae

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Cuckoo Catfish
Synodontis multipunctatus
Robust Rift Lake catfish that tolerates hard water and is quick enough to evade mbuna aggression.
Great
Red Zebra
Maylandia estherae
Another resilient mbuna with different colouration and body patterning, reducing the likelihood of conspecific rivalry.
Great
Yellow Lab
Labidochromis caeruleus
Although they share similar environmental needs, the Yellow Lab is relatively peaceful and may be heavily bullied by the dominant Auratus male.
Compatible with caution
Peacock Cichlids
Aulonocara spp.
Peacocks are generally too docile to withstand the intense territorial aggression of a dominant Auratus.
Not recommended
Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras spp.
Require vastly different water parameters and would be quickly injured or killed by mbuna aggression.
Not recommended

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