Golden Mbuna (Melanochromis auratus)

General data
- Main name: Golden Mbuna
- Local names: Malawi golden cichlid
- Climates: Tropical
- Habitat: Freshwater
- Native: Africa
- Distribution: Lake Malawi
Classification
- Genus: Melanochromis - Melanochromis
- Family: Cichlidae - Cichlids
- Order: Cichliformes - Cichlids
- Class: Teleostei - Ray-finned fishes
- Superclass: Osteichthyes - Bony fishes
Description
Melanochromis auratus, the auratus cichlid, 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 centimetres (4.3 in). 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 brown or black body and light blue or yellow stripes on the upper half of the body.