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Golden Mbuna Auratus Cichlid (Melanochromis auratus) showing bold Malawi colour — representative image

Melanochromis auratus

Golden Mbuna Cichlid (Melanochromis auratus) – 2–9cm Size Grades

Moderate Care
Aggressive
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Shoal Pricing
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Golden Mbuna Cichlid are a shoaling species — they need 6+ to feel safe and show their full colour.

Your shoal
£41.20You save £10.30
Live arrival guaranteed. Full refund or replacement if they don’t arrive healthy. Packed in oxygenated bags with insulation and heat packs when needed.
£19.95 tracked delivery — half price (£9.98) from £100.00, free from £200.00. One delivery charge however many fish you add — everything travels together with a licensed live-animal courier.
Read our reviews on Google (opens Google Business Profile in a new tab) or see verified buyer reviews and photos. Human support, careful packing and clear delivery updates for live aquatics.

Golden Mbuna Auratus is a bold, aggressive Lake Malawi mbuna for experienced hard-water cichlid keepers. Plan rockwork, line-of-sight breaks and algae-rich feeding, with. Live Arrival Guarantee and licensed live-animal courier service.

African CichlidCichliddeal-run-20260422-180310Freshwater FishModerate CareOmnivoreRock DwellerTerritorial

Care at a Glance

Scientific Name
Melanochromis auratus
Max Adult Size
up to 11 cm
Lifespan
10 years
Care Level
Moderate
Temperament
Aggressive
Temperature
24–28°C
pH Range
7.5–8.5
Hardness
10–20 dGH
Minimum Tank
200L
Diet
Spirulina, algae wafers, quality pellets

Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.

Source-labelled Bolivian ram swimming above aquarium gravel
Full Care Guide

Cichlids: Types, Care & Tank Planning

Cichlids are a family of roughly 1,800 accepted species, not one care type. Before buying, identify the exact species and source, then compare adult measurement, usable tank dimensions, social system, territory, tested water, diet and an exit plan. No family-wide minimum tank, water range or tank-mate list is safe.

14 min readRead guide

Water Parameters

Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors

Temperature
24–28°C
24°CIdeal28°C
pH Level
7.5–8.5
7.5Ideal8.5
Water Hardness
10–20 dGH
10 dGHIdeal20 dGH

Golden Mbuna Auratus Cichlid (Melanochromis auratus) is a classic Lake Malawi mbuna with bold yellow-and-dark patterning and a very assertive temperament. Mature males can change into darker patterning, and the behaviour is as strong as the colour: this fish belongs in a robust Malawi cichlid setup, not a calm mixed-species community.

Quick Facts

Listed identity Melanochromis auratus
Adult size About 11cm
Minimum aquarium 250 litres or larger for a planned group
Water 24-28°C, pH 7.5-8.5, hard alkaline water
Diet Spirulina, vegetable-rich mbuna pellets and algae foods
Temperament Aggressive mbuna

Care notes

Use extensive rockwork and broken sight lines. Keep one male with several females, or place it only in a carefully stocked robust mbuna aquarium. Avoid similar-looking males, delicate community fish and rich meaty feeding; a vegetable-led diet is safer for long-term health.

Delivery and guarantee

Use as a first-time buyer. This live fish is packed for a licensed live-animal courier service and covered by the Tropical Fish Co Live Arrival Guarantee.

Related aggressive mbuna

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