{"product_id":"auratus-cichlid","title":"Auratus Cichlid","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e\na {\n    text-decoration: none;\n    color: #464feb;\n}\ntr th, tr td {\n    border: 1px solid #e6e6e6;\n}\ntr th {\n    background-color: #f5f5f5;\n}\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eAuratus Cichlid\u003c\/strong\u003e, also known as the \u003cstrong\u003eGolden Mbuna\u003c\/strong\u003e, is one of the most iconic and recognizable African Cichlids from Lake Malawi. Known for its bold black and gold coloration, energetic personality, and fascinating social behaviour, the Auratus brings striking contrast and constant activity to any African cichlid aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJuvenile and female Auratus typically display vibrant golden-yellow bodies with dark horizontal stripes, while mature dominant males undergo a remarkable colour transformation, developing a dark body with lighter contrasting stripes. This dramatic shift makes them one of the most visually interesting species within the Mbuna group.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the rocky shorelines of Lake Malawi, Auratus Cichlids thrive in aquariums designed around rockwork and territorial structures, where they can display their natural behaviours and establish defined territories. Their intelligence, colouration, and active nature make them a favourite among experienced African cichlid keepers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy You'll Love Them\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBeautiful gold and black coloration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFascinating male colour transformation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eActive and highly engaging personality\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClassic Lake Malawi Mbuna species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHardy and adaptable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOutstanding display fish for African cichlid aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTank Size: 250L+\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTemperature: 24–28°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003epH: 7.8–8.6\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiet: Primarily herbivorous cichlid foods, spirulina flakes, vegetable-based pellets, and occasional frozen foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDifficulty: Moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuratus Cichlids are among the more aggressive Mbuna species and should be housed with other robust African cichlids in appropriately sized aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable tank mates include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eElectric Yellow Cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRed Zebra Cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAcei Cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaingano Cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDemasoni Cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther compatible Malawi Mbuna\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProviding abundant rockwork, caves, and territorial boundaries is essential for reducing aggression and promoting natural behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAquascaping Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuratus Cichlids thrive in aquariums that replicate the rocky habitats of Lake Malawi.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey appreciate:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExtensive rock formations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMultiple caves and crevices\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOpen swimming areas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStrong filtration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWell-oxygenated water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir vibrant yellow and black colours stand out beautifully against natural stone, creating a dramatic and authentic African cichlid display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Glass And Gill","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53768294301990,"sku":"CF-0095","price":150.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1019\/9810\/0774\/files\/eshwater_10_2c817678-3ce0-4730-b1f5-14cfbf731eed.png?v=1787744856","url":"https:\/\/www.glassandgill.co.za\/products\/auratus-cichlid","provider":"Glass And Gill","version":"1.0","type":"link"}