The Auratus is a popular little cichlid from the rocky shores of Lake Malawi. The basic coloration of male and female juveniles is bright yellow, with two white-edged black bars on the upper half of the body from the snout to the end of the caudal fin. The mature male has a dark brown base color with two light horizontal stripes, each with a turquoise sheen. The forehead and dorsal area are lighter than the rest of the body, with dark stripes. The mature female is a golden yellow with two dark brown horizontal stripes edged in gold.

Tank Setup

M. auratus can be an aggressive fish and intolerant of others in its territory. Therefore, these lively and popular fish must be provided with caves in which to hide, as well as a rocky substrate. Basically the tank should be set up with typical Lake Malawi conditions.

Feeding

M. auratus is omnivorous and should be fed accordingly. Live foods are recommended, but the fish will accept flake, pellet and freeze-dried foods. Vegetable matter such as algae tablets should also be supplied in the daily diet.

Water Chemistry

Coming from lake Malawi, M. auratus requires hard, alkaline water with a pH of at least 7.5 and up to 8.5.

Breeding

Auratus' are mouth brooders that care for their young. In order to establish a breeding pair, one male should be kept with many females. The young leave the mother's mouth after about 24 days and continue to be cared for.