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Auratus Cichlid
Melanochromis auratus
Also known as: Golden Mbuna • Golden cichlid • Golden mbuna
Kingdom: Metazoa• Family: Cichlidae• Order: Cichliformes
Melanochromis auratus, the auratus cichlid, is a freshwater fish of the cichlid family. It is also known as golden mbuna and Malawi golden cichlid. It is endemic to the southern region of Lake Malawi, particularly from Jalo Reef southward along the entire western coast down to Crocodile Rocks.
📌 In the Aquarium
The auratus cichlid is one of the most popular mbuna cichlids in the aquarium trade. In aquarium stores, there will usually be one dominant male that is colored black, the rest will display the submissive "female" coloration of yellow. If this male is sold, the next dominant male will take on the black color.
📌 Reproduction
Like many other cichlids from Lake Malawi, auratus cichlids are mouthbrooders. Females hold their fertilized eggs and fry in their mouth for a few weeks before releasing the fry.
Quick Facts
Common Names:
Auratus Cichlid, Golden Mbuna, Golden cichlid, Golden mbuna, Golden pseudotropheus, Malawi golden cichlid, Auratus
Class:
Actinopteri
Data Completeness:
100%
Data Sources
🌍gbif
📚itis
📖wikipedia
🔬eol
🦎inaturalist
References
All references are verified for authenticity. We prioritize peer-reviewed studies, reputable databases (iNaturalist, GBIF), and established encyclopedias.
Distribution Statistics
10
Observations
5
Countries
Top Locations
Idaho, US
1
5GWH+C5X, Danau, Poso Regency, Central Sulawesi 94663, Indonésie
1
Poso Regency, Central Sulawesi, Indonésie
1
Poso, Sulawesi Tengah, Indonesia
1
Mangochi, Malawi
1
Recent Observers
@prickly_sculpin
@rolandgodon
@bradleyfishes
@bichir
@reppy37
@mazancourt
First: 5/31/2015 · Latest: 10/8/2025
Data aggregates species content from multiple sources including Wikipedia, iNaturalist, GBIF, and ITIS. Content may transform over time. Wikipedia content is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.