Aurora Cichlid

Maylandia aurora

Aurora Cichlid is a middle swimmer.

AggressiveMiddle swimmerIntermediate – Advanced

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Need help with Aurora Cichlid?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 3.4" (≤ 8.7 cm)
Aquarium size: 63 US gal (240 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced
Temperament: Aggressive
Swimming zone: Middle swimmer
Temperature: 75–79°F (24–26°C)
pH: 7.5–8.5
GH: 12–25 dGH
Diet: Herbivorous aufwuchs grazer
Lifespan: up to 10 years

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.

Lifespan: up to 10 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 63 US gal (240 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 24–26 °C, pH 7.5–8.5, GH 12–25 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Aurora Cichlid is aggressive and needs carefully selected companions.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

Use a varied routine that suits a plant-leaning or algae-focused diet.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 63 US gal (240 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Malawi.

Important notes

Requires hard alkaline Lake Malawi conditions, structured rocks and territorial mbuna companions.
Do not combine with visually similar territorial males without deliberate species-specific planning.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Blue Scraper Cichlid Neochromis omnicaeruleus Same family Similar care level Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 4.7" (≤ 11.9 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Argentine Humphead Gymnogeophagus balzanii Same family Similar care level Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 7.9" (≤ 20 cm) 70–77°F (21–25°C) Blue Neon Cichlid Paracyprichromis nigripinnis Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) Blue Dolphin Cichlid Cyrtocara moorii Same family Similar care level Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 9.8" (≤ 25 cm) 77–84°F (25–29°C) African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Same family Similar care level Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Bolivian Ram Cichlid Mikrogeophagus altispinosus Same family Similar care level Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 4" (≤ 10.2 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Aurora Cichlid get?

Aurora Cichlid reaches ≤ 3.4" (≤ 8.7 cm).

What aquarium size does Aurora Cichlid need?

Use an aquarium of at least 63 US gal (240 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.

Is Aurora Cichlid peaceful?

Aurora Cichlid should be planned cautiously with compatible fish only, because aggressive behavior can limit companion options.

What temperature is suitable for Aurora Cichlid?

Keep it between 24 to 26 °C.