Melanochromis auratus
The natural range of this cichlid is in the southern part of Lake Malawi, although he does not appear in all sorts of habitats. Thus one finds larger populations in the islands and Maleri Mbenji. This very striking colored cichlid belongs to the group of "Mbuna", the Felsencichliden, like the Tropheus species of Lake Tanganyika, are similarly closely bound to the rocky shore zone and the end on the rocks nursery, the main food source of this cichlids. The significant Geschlechtsdichromatismus (= different color between the sexes) allows for a simple distinction between the sexes. The attitude of the area forming, agamids mouthbrooders should only be done in aquariums from 100 cm length. Best kept Melanochromis in society with other Mbunas. As in their natural habitat, the number of individuals is very high, and a high number of different Felsencichliden the aquarium has a clear aggression inhibitory effect on the individual animal. The breeding is mostly done in a community tank, where the female takes 20-30 eggs in her mouth and dismisses as colored 1 cm large juveniles after about three to four weeks.