Identify my Cichlid please

Raydee

AC Members
Feb 1, 2003
45
0
0
New York
Visit site
cichlid.JPG

My wife just came home with this cichlid and I am new to anything other than brackish water. Any info on this fish would be great.
 
Hi,

I think thats a Auratus Cichlid (Melanochromis auratus). When they grow up they are little devils so whatch out.

Cory Lover
 
Cory Lover said:
Hi,

I think thats a Auratus Cichlid (Melanochromis auratus). When they grow up they are little devils so whatch out.

Cory Lover

Ok Cory thanks for the reply. I was pretty convinced it was a Mbuna after looking at pictures and descriptions on the net.
 
Last edited:
it's MELANOCHROMIS JOHANNI, not auratus. Though it belongs in the same genus with M. auratus and M. chipokae (two of the most aggressive mbuna in this hobby) it is a relatively peaceful species (for an mbuna).
 
yep, thats a johanni

auratus are more black, with bolder lines
 
liv2padl said:
it's MELANOCHROMIS JOHANNI, not auratus. Though it belongs in the same genus with M. auratus and M. chipokae (two of the most aggressive mbuna in this hobby) it is a relatively peaceful species (for an mbuna).


Ohh good then its a bit more docile then I thought. ANy suggestions on keeping these fish happy?
 
Melanochromis Johanni like to be keep in groups of 4-6 individuals and if you plan to keep them in a group like that i would reccomend atleast a 55g and if you get lucky you might get a pair out of them. they like to have alot of hiding places such as caves and flower pots. If you can add some driftwood into the tank because it will more resemble the lake which they have come from.


Mudvayne
 
mudvayne said:
Melanochromis Johanni like to be keep in groups of 4-6 individuals and if you plan to keep them in a group like that i would reccomend atleast a 55g and if you get lucky you might get a pair out of them. they like to have alot of hiding places such as caves and flower pots. If you can add some driftwood into the tank because it will more resemble the lake which they have come from.


Mudvayne
Thanks for the info. Right now I have 6 of them (2 male, 4 female) in my 90 gallon tank. I have a few pots and some shale rock with a lot of hiding spots. I am also going to add a few nice hiding spots and some driftwood tomorrow. I will take a pic of the tank when its all done.
 
AquariaCentral.com