Scientific Name: Melanochromis auratus
Pronunciation: Melen-o-chro-mis oar-rat-us
Trade Name(s): Golden Malawi Cichlid
Distribution: Jalo reef to Crocodile Rock & at all rocky outcrops in the Southern arm of the lake.
Habitat: Rocky Area's
Diet: Aufwuchs, Invertebrates
Sexing: Males are yellow with a black under body.
Females are yellow with 2 black stripes through the length of the body.
Maximum Size: 9cm
Temperature: 24 to 26c
pH: 7.5 to 9.0
Water Hardness: 300-400ppm
Availability: Very common in Oz.
Comments: Can be very aggressive, but make a great display tank as they are very active. A great starter cichlid. They are easy to breed and look great as the males change from the Juvie color to the adult. Also an Albino variety that looks quite good. Well worth keeping.
Page # Malawi Cichlids In Their Natural Habitat Vol 4: 110
Retail Value: $10 - $20 @ 4-6CM