Melanochromis auratus Chidunga – Wild

Colour: black male with blue horizontal stripes. Yellow female with black stripes.

Size: male 12 cm, female 11 cm

Water parameters: temperature 22 °C to 28 °C, pH 7 to 8.5, KH 5 to 15, nitrite 0 mg/L

Lifespan: 10 years

Aquarium size: 150 cm / 450 litres

Feeding: algae in the wild. Prepared foods (pellets, flakes) in captivity.

Keeping: as a pair or one male with several females. With other Lake Malawi cichlid species (please check compatibility with other species).

Breeding: maternal mouthbrooder

Origin: endemic to Lake Malawi (Africa). Animals purchased must not be released into the wild in order to protect wildlife.

Protection status: none