Golden Mbuna Cichlid

Melanochromis auratus

Golden Mbuna Cichlid is a all-zone swimmer.

AggressiveAll-zone swimmerIntermediate – Advanced

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Need help with Golden Mbuna Cichlid?

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm)
Aquarium size: 54 US gal (205 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced
Temperament: Aggressive
Swimming zone: All-zone swimmer
Temperature: 75–79°F (24–26°C)
pH: 7.6–8.5
GH: 10–25 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 10 years

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.

Lifespan: up to 10 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 54 US gal (205 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 7.6–8.5, GH 10–25 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Golden Mbuna Cichlid is aggressive and needs carefully selected companions.

Swimming zone and behavior

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

Feeding

As an omnivore, Golden Mbuna Cichlid should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Offer a plant-rich diet, including spirulina-based food, with limited animal supplements.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 54 US gal (205 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.

Natural habitat: Rocky shorelines and reefs of Lake Malawi.

Similar fish profiles

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

Blue Neon Cichlid Paracyprichromis nigripinnis Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) Aurora Cichlid Maylandia aurora Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.4" (≤ 8.7 cm) 75–79°F (24–26°C) Blue Scraper Cichlid Neochromis omnicaeruleus Same family Similar care level Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 4.7" (≤ 11.9 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Black Sharkminnow Labeo chrysophekadion Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 35.4" (≤ 90 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Barred Rainbowfish Chilatherina fasciata Similar care level Same swimming zone Similar diet Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm) 82–90°F (28–32°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)

FAQ

How large does Golden Mbuna Cichlid get?

Golden Mbuna Cichlid reaches ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm).

What aquarium size does Golden Mbuna Cichlid need?

Use an aquarium of at least 54 US gal (205 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.

Is Golden Mbuna Cichlid peaceful?

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

What temperature is suitable for Golden Mbuna Cichlid?

Keep it between 24 to 26 °C.