Melanochromis auratus, the auratus cichlid, is a freshwater fish of the cichlid family. Comments: This is a fabulous fish with bright colors and a bold pattern. Click on each picture to see a bigger picture. Looking for an aggressive fish to keep at home? Melanochromis auratus adult female. Due to it’s aggressive nature, care is needed when housing Mel. Auratus should be part of a large tank of 75 gallons or more that has caves, hiding areas … Not only will a male auratus attack and kill other males, but females are known to kill each other as well. auratus with peaceful cichlids. Their tail fins have black spots. Fish guide for Auratus Cichlid, Melanochromis auratus profile with fish pictures, description and information, Golden Mbuna diet, care, habitat and fish diseases, Auratus Cichlid breeding, tank mates and compatibility and keeping the Golden Cichlid aquarium, Malawi Golden Cichlid Origin: Auratus are Mbunas, … Auratus Cichlid – Habitat, Care, Feeding, Tank Mates, Breeding. Much of the aquarium should contain piles of rocks arranged to form caves with small areas of open water between. The Johanni males have light blue on a black background, while the Johanni … The Auratus Cichlid (Melanochromis Auratus), also known as the Golden Mbuna is not only beautiful but it might also be the … Maintenance. They are also super aggressive. Auratus. Scientific Name: Melanochromis auratus Place of Origin: Lake Malawi Adult Size: 4 - 5" Temperament: Aggressive, especially conspecific. Auratus - Aquarium Setup. Auratus cichlids are one of the most aggressive Mbuna cichlids. Above: In the picture a young premium quality Albino Melanochromis Auratus is swimming in one of our aquariums, when one of us snapped this picture . Origin: Auratus are Mbunas, which is a large family of … Auratus are very aggressive. Above: In the picture a young Premium Melanochromis Auratus Mbuna is swimming in one of our aquariums, when one of us snapped this picture . General Information M. Auratus was one of the first cichlids to be exported from Lake Malawi, and is very popular with cichlid enthusiasts. Johanni are African Cichlids originating in Lake Malawi. It is also known as golden mbuna and Malawi golden cichlid.It is endemic to the southern region of Lake Malawi, particularly from Jalo Reef southward along the entire western coast down to Crocodile Rocks. Description: Males are black & brown with a yellow/gold stripe. One male and 3 - 5 females are recommended for a tank. It must be said that this is a very hardy, durable species — but it is also one of the most aggressive and will quickly dominate, then terrorise a new, sparsely populated tank. ... Aquarium filters which have been highly recommended by customers in your area can be found here. Very few or none of these fish exist except on fish farms and aquariums. The dorsal fin is also brown & black with yellow/gold tips. ... and attempt to entice females to mate with him. Comments: This is a fabulous fish with interesting colors. Tank Mate Compati Melanochromis auratus is probably the most widely available, with juveniles displaying attractive humbug patterning. They are very similar to but a distinct species from Pseudotropheus cyaneorhabdos (formerly Melanochromis maingano). Auratus are pretty awesome fish, being super active and super colourful. They are classified as Pseudotropheus Johannii, formerly Melanochromis Johannii. Melanochromis species, there is a risk of hybridisation. a 90 is only a 4' tank iirc, so trying to keep more species with the auratus will probably end up with lots of deaths as the male auratus … It can be combined with other … The tank will be all yellow, black, and white, and you won't have any other species or color variations, but you will definately have a hyper aggressive tank that just might end up being stable. In nature these fish are shoalers, and likewise the best way to keep them is in as large a group as we can.