{"product_id":"melanochromis-auratus-no-online-purchases","title":"Melanochromis auratus - (No Online Purchases)","description":"\u003ch5\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNo Online Purchases\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Golden Mbuna is one of the most recognisable African cichlids, admired for its striking yellow-and-black colouration and bold personality. Native to the rocky shorelines of Lake Malawi in East Africa, this species is a favourite among experienced cichlid keepers who enjoy active, colourful aquariums.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhile beautiful, the Golden Mbuna is also one of the more aggressive mbuna species. With the right aquarium setup, plenty of rockwork, and suitable tank mates, they become hardy, fascinating fish that display constant activity and interesting social behaviour.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eQuick Facts\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Golden Mbuna, Auratus Cichlid\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMelanochromis auratus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFamily:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Cichlidae\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Lake Malawi, East Africa\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Moderate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Aggressive and Territorial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiet:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Herbivore (Aufwuchs Grazer)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 55 gallons (210 litres) for a small group; larger aquariums recommended for mixed mbuna communities\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 10–12 cm (4–5 inches)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 5–8 years\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAppearance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGolden Mbunas are famous for their dramatic colour changes as they mature. Females and juveniles display a bright golden-yellow body with bold black horizontal stripes running from head to tail. Mature males undergo a remarkable transformation, developing a dark brown to black body with contrasting pale blue or yellow stripes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTheir streamlined body, pointed fins, and vibrant colours make them a standout species in any African cichlid aquarium.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperament\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGolden Mbunas are highly territorial and are considered one of the more aggressive mbuna species. Males vigorously defend their territory, particularly during breeding, and aggression can be directed toward fish with similar colours or body shapes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThey are best kept in properly stocked Lake Malawi aquariums with plenty of rocky hiding places to help disperse aggression.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuitable tank mates include:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOther robust Mbuna species\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eYellow Lab (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLabidochromis caeruleus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eRusty Cichlid (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIodotropheus sprengerae\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eAcei Cichlid (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePseudotropheus acei\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eRed Zebra Cichlid (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaylandia estherae\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLarger Synodontis catfish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid keeping them with:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeaceful community fish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLong-finned species\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFish with similar colour patterns\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSouth American cichlids\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSmall fish that may be bullied\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeeping one male with three to five females is recommended to reduce aggression within the species.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquarium Requirements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGolden Mbunas thrive in aquariums designed to replicate the rocky shoreline habitat of Lake Malawi. Build numerous caves and rock piles to establish territories while maintaining open swimming areas. Sand or fine gravel substrates are ideal, and strong filtration is essential due to the high bioload typical of mbuna aquariums.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended Water Parameters\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 24–28°C (75–82°F)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 7.8–8.6\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardness:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 10–20 dGH\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStable, clean water and regular maintenance are essential for long-term health.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGolden Mbunas are primarily herbivores that graze algae and biofilm in the wild. A vegetable-based diet is important for maintaining digestive health and preventing Malawi Bloat.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended foods include:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpirulina flakes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlgae-based cichlid pellets\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVegetable wafers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlanched spinach\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eZucchini\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShelled peas\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOccasional frozen brine shrimp or mysis shrimp as treats\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid feeding excessive amounts of high-protein foods such as beef heart or large quantities of bloodworms, as these can contribute to digestive problems.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBehaviour\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese fish are constantly active, spending much of their time patrolling territories, grazing algae from rocks, and interacting with other cichlids. Males establish and defend territories, while females move throughout the rockwork searching for food and suitable spawning sites.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlthough aggressive, they display fascinating social interactions that make them a rewarding species for dedicated African cichlid enthusiasts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBreeding\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGolden Mbunas are maternal mouthbrooders and breed readily under suitable conditions. After spawning, the female collects the fertilised eggs in her mouth, where they remain for approximately 18–25 days until the fry are fully developed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe young can be raised on finely crushed spirulina foods and newly hatched brine shrimp once released.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhy Choose Golden Mbunas?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBrilliant yellow and black colouration\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFascinating colour-changing males\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardy and adaptable\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eActive and entertaining behaviour\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcellent choice for dedicated African cichlid aquariums\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReadily breeds in captivity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare Tips\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide plenty of rockwork to create separate territories and minimise aggression. Maintain excellent water quality through strong filtration and regular water changes. Feed a predominantly vegetable-based diet and avoid overfeeding protein-rich foods. Keeping a proper male-to-female ratio and selecting compatible mbuna species will result in a healthier, more stable aquarium.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Freshwater Fish","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48956414066858,"sku":"TF485","price":13.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0325\/1250\/7948\/files\/imageiscoming_4f3c092a-7acd-4fd6-a950-a73198d00034.jpg?v=1785300813","url":"https:\/\/www.thetechden.com.au\/products\/melanochromis-auratus-no-online-purchases","provider":"The Tech Den ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}