Common Name	Auratus, Malawi Golden Cichlid
Scientific Name	Melanochromis Auratus
Size	12 cm
Origin	Southern Western Shores of Lake Malawi
Tank Setup	Cichlid Setup
Temperature	22 – 26 degrees
Feeding	They prefer a standard Mbuna diet, consisting of african cichlid flakes or pellets, and fresh vegtables like peas and lettuce.
Gender	Males are larger then the females and has more black colouring and has yellow dummy eggs on his anal fin.
Comments	They are one of the first cichlids ever introduce and imported. They are also a very aggressive breed of cichlid. They can live with many other cichlids.

Melanochromis auratus is a species of cichlid fish that is native to Lake Malawi in East Africa. It is a small fish, reaching a maximum size of about 3 inches (7.5 cm) in length. It is known for its bright coloration, which includes a metallic blue head and a yellow body with black vertical stripes.

Melanochromis auratus is a popular aquarium fish due to its colorful appearance and relatively small size. It is known to be a peaceful and hardy species, and it can be kept with other peaceful fish in a community tank. It is an omnivorous species and will feed on a variety of foods, including small invertebrates, algae, and flakes or pellets.

In the wild, Melanochromis auratus can be found in rocky areas of Lake Malawi, where it feeds on small invertebrates and algae. It is a maternal mouthbrooder, meaning that the female carries the eggs and fry in her mouth until they are ready to be released.

Overall, Melanochromis auratus is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for species that makes a great addition to a peaceful community tank.