What fish can live with Auratus Cichlid?

Auratus Cichlid pairs well with Swordtail, Sailfin Molly, Buenos Aires Tetra, Three-Spot Gourami, Convict Cichlid, Denison's Barb. Compatibility depends on tank size, water parameters, and stocking density; the full list on this page ranks every checked pairing.

Species Profile

Auratus Cichlid

Melanochromis auratus

Also known as: Golden Mbuna

Cichlidsaggressive

Adult size

4.5″

Minimum tank

75 gal

Temperature

75–82°F

7.8–8.6

Schooling

Solitary OK

Water level

mid

Grows from juvenile

Typically sold at ~1.5″ and reaches 4.5″ over ~1 year. Plan tank size for the adult, not the fish at purchase.

Diet

Pellets, blanched veggies

Notes

One of the most aggressive Mbuna, adult males kill anything that resembles them. Females yellow with black stripes; males brown-black. Not a community fish even by Mbuna standards. Single tank dominant or species-only.

Compatible Tankmates

Best tank mates for Auratus Cichlid

Every species below passes the compatibility engine when paired with Auratus Cichlidin a suitably sized tank. Verdicts come from the same rules the builder uses — click a card to see that species' own care profile and its tank mates in turn.