Golden mbuna
Melanochromis auratus
11 cm
Adult size
250 L
Minimum volume
4
Minimum group
8 years
Lifespan
Water parameters
Understand these values- Genus
- Melanochromis
- Diet
- herbivore, algae eater
- Social life
- harem
In the wild
Overview
This very common golden mbuna with black stripes is not recommended for beginners because of its intolerance. The dark males can revert to the golden colouring under stress, and old females sometimes darken so much that they look like males.
- Scientific name
- Melanochromis auratus (Boulenger, 1897)
- Classification
- Cichliformes › Cichlidae
- IUCN Red List
- Least concern (LC)
Natural habitat
Endemic to Lake Malawi: the whole west coast, the southern end and the south of the east coast
Observations (GBIF) and localities Native countries Rivers and lakes
It lives in rocky areas along shores, reefs and islands, where it picks algae from the rocks.
Behaviour
One of the most aggressive and territorial mbuna, especially towards its own kind. Keep it with other mbuna of different patterns, never with peaceful species (Aulonocara, Copadichromis) or other Melanochromis (hybridisation). It needs a very large, well-stocked tank and several females per male. Mostly plant matter (spirulina, spinach), supplemented with live or frozen prey.
Sources:FishBase Seriously Fish GBIF · Base map: Natural Earth