Melanochromis Auratus

The auratus cichlid, Melanochromis auratus, is a freshwater fish of the cichlid family. It is also known as golden mbuna and Malawi golden cichlid. It is endemic to the southern region of lake Malawi, particularly from Jalo Reef southward along the entire western coast down to Crocodile Rocks.

Auratus cichlids are small, elongate fish that can grow up to 11 cm. Juveniles and females are bright yellow with black and white stripes on the upper half of the body. Adult male coloration is drastically different with dark brawn body and gray strips on the upper half of the body.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, Melanochromis Auratus

Photograph © Copyright Carsten K. Larsen

Photograph © Copyright Carsten K. Larsen Used with Permission