Golden Mbuna Cichlid
Melanochromis auratus
Golden Mbuna Cichlid (Melanochromis auratus) is a freshwater fish that suits calm freshwater aquariums. Its adult size of up to 13 cm should still be matched with stable water and compatible fish.
Quick facts
- Adult size
- up to 13 cm
- Aquarium size
- 200 L or larger
- Care level
- Intermediate – Advanced
- Temperament
- Aggressive
- Temperature
- 23–28 °C
- pH
- 7.5–8.5
- GH
- 10–25 dGH
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Lifespan
- up to 10 years
- Group behavior
- Often planned as a pair
Overview
Golden Mbuna Cichlid (Melanochromis auratus) is a freshwater aquarium fish for aquariums where the layout leaves enough swimming room and the water stays stable.
Use these values as planning checks, then make sure the aquarium still has room for behavior, group needs, and calm community fish.
Care requirements
With a Intermediate – Advanced care level, Golden Mbuna Cichlid is best for aquarists who can keep water quality steady and plan compatibility before adding the fish.
With a lifespan of up to 10 years, this is a fish to plan for long term rather than an impulse addition.
Aquarium size and space needs
An aquarium of 200 L or larger can be a reasonable starting point, but it should not be read as permission to overstock.
At up to 13 cm, Golden Mbuna Cichlid stays small, but it still needs room to move, feed, and avoid constant competition.
Water parameters
The temperature range for this fish is 23 to 28 °C, which fits many tropical freshwater aquariums. Choose other fish with overlapping temperature needs.
The pH range for this fish is 7.5 to 8.5. That points to neutral to slightly alkaline water, but stability is more important than sudden corrections.
The GH range for this fish is 10 to 25 dGH. That gives some flexibility, but sudden changes are usually more stressful than a stable value that is slightly imperfect.
Temperament and compatibility
Golden Mbuna Cichlid should be planned cautiously with compatible fish only, because aggressive temperament data raises the risk of conflict.
Feeding
As an omnivore, Golden Mbuna Cichlid should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.
Natural habitat and origin
This profile currently lists the origin as Malawi. Treat this as a broad regional note rather than a complete habitat description.
Before adding this fish
Use this checklist before treating the profile as a match for an existing aquarium.
- Plan for an aquarium of 200 L or larger.
- Choose other fish with overlapping temperature needs.
- Keep pH stable within the listed range instead of making sudden corrections.
- Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
- Offer a varied diet that matches this species.
Similar fish profiles
Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.
FAQ
How large does Golden Mbuna Cichlid get?
Golden Mbuna Cichlid reaches up to 13 cm according to this profile. It stays relatively small, but aquarium planning should still account for swimming room.
What aquarium size does Golden Mbuna Cichlid need?
Plan for an aquarium of 200 L or larger. Treat this as a baseline, because fish also need suitable swimming room and compatible fish.
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?
The temperature range for this fish is 23 to 28 °C. Choose other fish with overlapping temperature needs and avoid sudden temperature swings.