How to Identify Auratus Cichlid

To identify Auratus Cichlid (Melanochromis auratus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Sexually dimorphic. Adult males: Dark brown to black body with two prominent light blue to yellow horizontal stripes. The dorsal fin is typically dark with a light margin. Adult females and juveniles: Bright yellow body with two prominent dark brown to black horizontal stripes. The dorsal fin is yellow with a dark margin. Some regional variations exist.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Pronounced sexual dimorphism in coloration., Elongated body typical of Melanochromis species., Relatively small, pointed mouth.

Dorsal fin

Long, continuous dorsal fin with spiny anterior rays and soft posterior rays. Coloration matches body pattern.

Tail fin

Caudal fin is typically rounded to slightly emarginate, matching body coloration.

Pectoral fin

Paired pectoral fins are relatively small and translucent.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are often dark in males and yellow in females, sometimes with an ocellus (egg spot) on the anal fin of males.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Coloration (Adult Male)

   Dark brown to black body with two distinct light blue to yellow horizontal stripes. Dorsal fin dark with a light margin.

2. 2

   Coloration (Adult Female/Juvenile)

   Bright yellow body with two distinct dark brown to black horizontal stripes. Dorsal fin yellow with a dark margin.

3. 3

   Body Shape

   Elongated and somewhat compressed body, typical of the 'Mbuna' group of cichlids.

4. 4

   Habitat Preference

   Observed in rocky areas of Lake Malawi, often near the substrate.

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