Golden Mbuna Cichlid - Melanochromis auratus Fish Profile & Care Guide
Introduction
Golden Mbuna Cichlids (Melanochromis auratus) represent a striking yet challenging addition to the aquarium. Due to their aggressive and territorial dispositions, these fish are not suitable for novice aquarists. Often, inexperienced hobbyists acquire Golden Mbunas only to discover their propensity for attacking and potentially killing other tank inhabitants. Proper care for Golden Mbuna Cichlids demands the selection of suitable tankmates, consistent water changes, and a meticulously arranged aquarium. However, their captivating appearance and distinctive behaviours make them a rewarding pursuit for the seasoned aquarist.
The optimal environment for Golden Mbuna Cichlids is a species-specific tank containing one male and several females, with numerous caves and hiding spots to manage their aggressive tendencies effectively. Given their intolerance towards other males or similarly appearing fish, a monospecific setup is crucial. Females, too, exhibit territorial behaviours, with a dominant female often adopting darker colouration. Introducing fast-moving dither fish such as Rainbowfish can be beneficial in redirecting their aggression towards other species.
For those prepared to take on the challenge, these cichlids require a spacious habitat with a minimum of 250 litres, featuring rock formations to create caves and limited open water areas. The substrate should be sandy, and the water well-oxygenated to accommodate their needs. Golden Mbuna Cichlids, which can grow up to 11 cm, have elongated bodies and rounded snouts with closely set incisor-like teeth for scraping algae from rocks.
Males are characterized by a golden to light yellow back, a darker body, and a yellow dorsal fin speckled with black, forming a nearly horizontal line. A neon blue-bordered thin yellow line runs horizontally along the centre of the body, extending to the black caudal fin edged in yellow. Their pelvic and anal fins are dark with neon blue edges. Females display a golden hue with a black, gold-edged dorsal fin, and their backs are black, with the rest of their body golden. The caudal fin is adorned with a whiteish-blue horizontal stripe, and the tail fin is white with black spots on top and golden at the bottom. The remainder of their fins are also golden.
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Sexual Dimorphism
In Golden Mbuna Cichlids, distinguishing between males and females is a straightforward task. The two sexes exhibit strikingly different colourations, with males displaying neon blue and gold stripes over a brownish-black body, while females have neon blue and black stripes on a golden base. Furthermore, males tend to be larger than females, providing another useful point of differentiation.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Melanochromis auratus |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1897 |
| Other Names | Auratus Cichlid, Malawi Golden Cichlid, Golden Cichlid |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cichliformes |
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Genus | Melanochromis |
| Origins | Malawi |
| Approx Max Size | 13 cm |
| Temperament | Aggressive |
| Aquarium Level | All Levels |
| Difficulty | Intermediate - Advanced |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | Pairs |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Mouthbrooder |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 10 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 7.5 - 8.5 |
| GH | 10 - 25 |
| ℉ | 73 - 82 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 23 - 28 |
Natural Habitat
Indigenous to the clear waters of Lake Malawi in Africa, Golden Mbuna Cichlids are predominantly found along the lake's western coast, ranging from Crocodile Rocks to Jalo Reef and extending from the southern tip up to Nkhomo Reef along the eastern coast. These striking fish favour the rocky environments of reefs, shorelines, and islands, adeptly manoeuvring through and sheltering within the myriad crevices and rock formations.
Breeding
Golden Mbuna Cichlids exhibit polygamous behaviour in the wild, with males forming a matriarchal family by attending to several females. Similarly, in captivity, these Mbunas will spawn in the male's territory. During spawning, the males will undergo a dramatic change in colour, intensifying their original colouration.
Females typically lay around 40 eggs and take them into their mouths before fertilisation. The female then stimulates the male to discharge sperm by mouthing the egg spots on his anal fin. She then inhales the milt cloud, fertilising the eggs in her mouth. After approximately 21 days, the eggs will hatch, and the female will keep the young in her mouth until she releases the free-swimming fry.
You can tell if a female is carrying eggs as her mouth will be distended, but care must be taken when moving the fish to avoid predation or early brood release. During this period, the female will not eat. For the first week or two following their release, the female will continue to guard her brood, taking them into her mouth if she feels threatened.
Young Mbunas can easily survive in aquariums with plenty of hiding places until they grow too big to be eaten. Newly hatched fry can be fed finely powdered dry foods and brine shrimp nauplii. They will reach around 2.5 cm in length within three months, and the males will develop their characteristic colours between six and nine months of age.
Diet & Feeding
Golden Mbuna Cichlids are omnivorous, predominantly consuming plant-based materials in their natural environment. However, it's important to be aware that they might nibble on the plants within your aquarium. To maintain their health and enhance their vibrant colours, it is advisable to feed them small, regular portions of high-quality dry, fresh, and frozen foods rich in vegetable content. Incorporating Spirulina as a primary component of their diet is beneficial, while foods like beef heart should be avoided to prevent digestive issues. It is recommended to feed the fish several small meals throughout the day, limiting each feeding to the amount they can consume within three minutes. This feeding strategy contributes to sustained high water quality and fosters a healthier aquarium environment.
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Published: 02 Jul 2021
Last Updated: 31 May 2024