Melanocromis auratus The Melanocromis auratus, often called the Auratus Cichlid, is a vibrant, small-to-medium Malawi cichlid known for its striking coloration. Males typically display bold yellow and black contrasts, while females are more subdued, creating a subtle but appealing difference. Active and territorial, especially during breeding, it brings lively behavior and visual interest to African cichlid aquariums, thriving in rocky environments with plenty of hiding spots. Care Guide: Melanocromis auratus Size: Up to 4–5 inches Temperature: 75–82 °F pH: 7.8–8.6 (alkaline) Temperament: Semi-aggressive. Males can be territorial, especially during breeding. Best kept in groups with a ratio of 1 male to multiple females to reduce aggression. Ideal for African cichlid community tanks with similarly sized, robust species. Provide plenty of rocks, caves, and hiding spots to mimic their natural rocky habitat. Diet: Omnivorous – accepts high-quality cichlid flakes or pellets, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Avoid overfeeding protein-rich foods to prevent digestive issues. - Care guides/ tips can be found on Fish4Ever's YouTube channel - Please note: photos are a typical representation of the fish you will receive, but not the exact fish. Variables such as size, markings, and colorations should be expected. _____________________________________________________________ Fish name: Melanochromis Auratus Quantity: 1 Melanochromis Auratus *All fish sales have an alive-on-arrival guarantee to ensure they arrive alive or your money back. Fish are only shipped on Mondays in the continental us to ensure timely delivery. See our Shipping Policy & Refund Policy for more details.