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Photo of: Melanochromis Auratus
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Scientific Name(s): Melanochromis Auratus
Common Name(s): Auratus
Family: Cichlidae
Species Type: African Cichlids, Lake Malawi
Maximum Size: 5 inches
Life Span: 9 years
Natural Habitat: East African Lake Malawi
Minimum Tank Size: 35 gallons
Tank Region: All over, territorial
Possible Tank Mates: Other african cichlids of different appearance.
Description: Young individuals have females coloring which consists of a golden-yellow base color with three black bands. Each black band had small white stripes running parallel with it. The caudal fin is spotted and the anal, pectoral, and pelvic fins are golden. When the male reaches two inches, he begins to develop mature male colors. The female colors are reversed on the male, making the base body color black with yellow stripes. Sometimes the yellow stripes are turquoise or blue depending on the location where the fish may be found. The caudal fin is black with a few white stripes and the dorsal fin is yellow. The anal, pectoral, and pelvic fins are black and have a white fringe.
Temperature Range 72°F - 82°F
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| 60°F |
65°F |
70°F |
75°F |
80°F |
85°F |
90°F |
| pH 5.0 |
pH 6.0 |
pH 7.0 |
pH 8.0 |
pH 9.0 |
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African Catfish
