Ever since I began keeping cichlids from Lake Malawi, Melanochromis auratus has been on my mind. However, its reputation as a persistent bully with a high demand for females kept me from taking the leap until February 2005.
Color and Contrast
I eventually purchased a wild-caught pair, and they are truly striking. A key characteristic of the Auratus is that both males and females are exceptionally colorful, featuring exceptional contrast. The females display vibrant yellow with dark horizontal stripes, while the males undergo a dramatic color change to a dark blue/black body with light blue stripes.
Tank Behavior
Despite the species' reputation for aggression, my wild-caught male has been neither particularly aggressive nor overly dominant so far. I am looking forward to their first spawning to gain more experience with their breeding behavior.
Care and Breeding
M. auratus is a maternal mouthbrooder. After spawning, the female typically guards the fry for about a week following their initial release. To keep them successfully, a tank with extensive rockwork and many hiding spots is essential to manage territorial behavior.
