Fishician®Diet
Herbivore – spirulina-based foods, vegetable matter
Aquarium species profile
Auratus
Melanochromis auratus · East Africa (Lake Malawi)
Minimum tank55 gal
Adult size4–5"
Care levelHard
TemperamentAggressive
Temperature75–82°F
pH range7.5–8.5
Compatible tank mates
Other very aggressive mbuna; difficult to mix
Tank mates to avoid
Almost everything; one of the most aggressive mbuna
Care notes
Females and juveniles bright yellow with black stripes; dominant males black with yellow stripes. Notoriously aggressive. Mouthbrooder.
Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.