Auratus Cichlid

Cichlidae sp.

Auratus Cichlid (Cichlidae sp.) — Advanced care, Aggressive, under Cichlid. Minimum tank in the app: 53 US gal min; aim for 75–82°F and pH 6.5–8.5. The Auratus Cichlid attracts experienced aquarists with its vibrant colors and dynamic personality, but its aggressive nature makes it unsuitable for community tanks.

Auratus Cichlid (Cichlidae sp.) in a planted freshwater aquarium
Care levelAdvanced
TemperamentAggressive
Min tank size53 US gal min
pH range6.5–8.5
Temperature75–82°F
Max size4.3 in (11.0 cm)
Captive lifespan8–14 years
SchoolingNo

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

Africa / South America (varies)

  • Africa
  • South America

Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.

Auratus Cichlid Tank Setup

Create a spacious layout with plenty of hiding spots and visual barriers, using rocks and caves to break line of sight. Maintain moderate flow to mimic their natural habitat, and opt for darker substrates to enhance their colors. Lighting should be moderate, as overly bright conditions can stress these fish.

What Do Auratus Cichlids Eat?

Feeding should be prompt and varied to prevent competition; they can be aggressive feeders. Offer a mix of high-quality pellets, frozen foods, and occasional vegetable matter to maintain health and coloration.

Auratus Cichlid Tank Mates

Best paired with robust species that can handle aggression, such as larger cichlids or fast-moving fish. Avoid slow swimmers or long-finned species, as they are likely to become targets. When considering tank mates, ensure they occupy different swimming zones to minimize direct conflicts; Auratus Cichlids should ideally be kept alone to prevent intraspecies aggression.

Are Auratus Cichlids Good for Beginners?

This sits in the advanced range in the app. Strong filtration, stable chemistry, and reading up before purchase matter more than a catchy shop name. Aquarists often underestimate the territorial nature of Auratus Cichlids, leading to overcrowding or inappropriate tank mates that result in stress or fatalities. Another common error is neglecting tank size and filtration, which can quickly lead to poor water quality and aggressive behavior.

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.

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