Fin's Fish Guide
The Golden mbuna (Melanochromis auratus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 11 cm.
Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa, along rocky shores in shallow water.
Description
The golden mbuna or auratus cichlid is a brightly coloured rock cichlid ('mbuna') of the family Cichlidae reaching about 11 cm. The species shows a strong colour difference between the sexes: females and juveniles are golden-yellow with black, white-edged longitudinal stripes, while dominant males turn dark brown to black with light-blue or yellow stripes. It is endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa, where it lives along rocky shores and grazes algae ('aufwuchs') from the stones, supplemented with small invertebrates. As a mouthbrooder the female carries the eggs and young in her mouth until they are independent. The auratus is a popular but fiercely territorial aquarium fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Golden mbuna?
The Golden mbuna has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Mbuna cichlid from Lake Malawi with a strong colour difference: females golden yellow with black longitudinal stripes, males dark with pale stripes.
Where does the Golden mbuna live?
The Golden mbuna lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa, along rocky shores in shallow water.
How big does the Golden mbuna get?
The Golden mbuna grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.
Is the Golden mbuna dangerous to humans?
No, the Golden mbuna is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Golden mbuna edible?
The Golden mbuna is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Melanochromis
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Golden mbuna?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Golden mbuna is one of 12,519 species in the app.