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Auratus Scientific Name: Melanochromis auratus Basic Info The Golden Cichlid is smaller than some other Lake Malawi cichlids, such as the Electric Blue. Mature Golden Cichlids generally measure between nine and ten centimeters (three and a half to four inches) in length, though imperial sizes have been seen. The female Golden Cichlid displays a brighter coloring than the male, though juvenile males may have some of the flashy colors of the mature female. Females are a beautiful yellow coloring with white edged black stripes. In addition to being more lightly colored, the male can also be distinguished by his larger size and the presence of black or blue stripes. Health The Golden Cichlid does well in tropical temperatures between 23 and 28 degrees Celsius (74 to 82.5 degrees Fahrenheit) and a pH between seven and a half and eight and a half. They enjoy swimming as well as hiding, and they should be given plenty of room and decorations to do both. Breeding The Golden Cichlid is a mouth brooder, and is easily bred in captivity. It is generally recommended that the male be placed in a breeding tank with several females, making them "harem breeders". Raising the pH to between eight and eight and a half may encourage breeding. Prior to breeding, parents should be well fed with plenty of live foods. This fish will often breed in caves, so simulated caves should be provided in the breeding tank. After breeding the female retains the fry for approximately a month.
Habitat Fresh water fish Behavior The Golden Cichlid is one of the popular Lake Malawi African Cichlids, which are favorites among cichlid lovers worldwide. Golden Cichlids are often seen swimming in the middle to bottom portions of the tank. A fairly aggressive African Cichlid, the Golden Cichlid is best suited for an African Cichlid Tank. Some species of catfish may also do well in a tank with the Golden Cichlid. They are known for chasing other fish, even those more aggressive than themselves, if they are kept in a tank that is not large enough. For this reason, tank sizes should be large; one male should be housed in at least 209 liters (55-gallons). For this reason, they may not be suitable for beginners, even though they are a very popular fish. Because they feed on fish as part of their diet and are fairly aggressive, they are considered unsuitable for the community tank. Like other Lake Malawi Cichlids, the Golden Cichlid's natural habitat is one that is rocky, and this should be emulated in the tank environment. These fish like to hide. They may nibble on live plants, though they will typically not destroy decorative plants. Some recommended plants to include in the Golden Cichlid's tank are the Java Moss and the Java Fern. This fish does like to make territories, and space should be provided for that purpose. Clay pots and driftwood are great additions for this reason. These vegetables not only help to ensure good health; they also promote the beautiful coloration of the Golden Cichlid. Origin Africa History The Golden Cichlid is native only to Lake Malawi, which is located in Africa. Common Foods In captivity this fish does well on a variety of foods including assorted freeze dried foods, beef heart, blood worms, brine shrimp, commercial cichlid pellets and flakes, daphnia, frozen vegetable diet, glass worms, live fish, plankton, and tubifex worms |
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