Aurora Cichlid - Maylandia aurora : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Aurora Cichlids (Maylandia aurora) have gained significant popularity among many dedicated Malawi fish keepers. However, due to their propensity for displaying heightened levels of aggression, they are not recommended for novice aquarists.
These Cichlids are typically unsuitable for community tank setups and are best housed in groups consisting of a single male accompanied by multiple females. It is crucial to avoid keeping multiple males of the same species together, as they will engage in aggressive behaviours that can result in injury or death. Therefore, maintaining a species-specific tank or a spacious aquarium that accommodates other large Mbuna species is advised, with the provision of abundant hiding places. It is important to refrain from combining them with peaceful Cichlids.
The aquarium housing Aurora Cichlids should ideally measure at least four feet in length and should be aquascaped to emulate a rocky reef environment interspersed with open areas of sand. Utilizing ocean rock or similar decor is recommended to construct sturdy structures that extend from the tank's base to near the water's surface. These structures should be designed to offer numerous crevices for the fish to explore while ensuring stability even if the fish dig around or beneath them.
While a substrate composed of coral sand or Aragonite is often suggested to maintain water hardness and alkalinity, Mbuna species tend to exhibit enhanced colouration and a sense of security over a darker substrate. To achieve the desired buffering effect, Aragonite or coral sand can be placed in a mesh bag and kept within the external filter.
The Aurora Cichlids possess a moderately laterally flattened body with a relatively significant height. Notably, they are characterized by their prominent large eyes. In males, the body and upper part of the head display shades ranging from light blue to violet blue.
The flanks may exhibit seven to eight distinct dark transverse bands, varying in clarity depending on the fish's mood. The throat and anterior part of the chest typically display a golden yellow hue in males, while the anal fin commonly showcases a single egg spot.
Juveniles and females, on the other hand, exhibit a more subdued colouration, presenting a grey-brown appearance with the same cross-band pattern. The presence of a less prominent or absent yellow spot in the anal fin is a distinguishing characteristic of females.
Aurora Cichlid Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Aurora Cichlids is a straightforward process. Fully developed males exhibit a slightly larger body size and a considerably more vibrant colouration, serving as a striking visual contrast. Conversely, the females maintain a plain, silvery grey appearance without the pronounced colour patterns observed in males.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Maylandia aurora |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1976 |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cichliformes |
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Genus | Maylandia |
| Origins | Malawi |
| Max Size | 10 cm |
| Temperament | Aggressive |
| Aquarium Level | Middle |
| Difficulty | Intermediate - Advanced |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | 1 Male + Several Females |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Mouthbrooder |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 10 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 7.5 - 8.5 |
| GH | 5 - 15 |
| ℉ | 76 - 82 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 24 - 27 |
Natural Habitat
The stunning Aurora Cichlid exhibit an endemic distribution within Lake Malawi, exclusively documented within the southern region of Likoma Island. These fish display a distinct preference for habitats characterized by the convergence of rocky formations and the adjacent sandy substrate.
Breeding
Aurora Cichlids have demonstrated successful breeding endeavours in captive environments. This particular species follows a mouthbrooding reproductive strategy, wherein the female deposits her eggs and subsequently takes them into her mouth for fertilization.
An intriguing observation suggests that the presence of egg spots on the male's anal fin serves as a deceptive mechanism, enticing the female to mistake these spots for her own eggs. As a result, the female engages in mouthing behaviours directed towards the male's anal fin, thus stimulating the release of milt. Subsequently, she collects the milt in her mouth, leading to the fertilization of the eggs.
Throughout approximately three weeks, the female diligently carries around 50 eggs within her mouth. Once hatched, the fry exhibits an early dietary preference for cyclops, artemia, Daphnia, and finely crushed flake food. As they grow to reach a length of 2 inches, their nutritional requirements expand to encompass larger food items.
Creating an environment conducive to successful breeding necessitates the provision of ample hiding places. These hiding spots serve to offer females the opportunity to seek shelter and privacy during the breeding process.
Diet & Feeding
Aurora Cichlids exhibit omnivorous feeding behaviour in their natural habitat, primarily consuming algae but also incorporating plankton, crustaceans, invertebrates, and zooplankton into their diet.
In a captive setting, these cichlids readily accept a variety of sustenance suitable for omnivorous species. This includes frozen or live brine shrimp, mysis, high-quality flake food, pellets, spirulina, and other preparations specifically formulated for omnivorous cichlids. Additionally, they exhibit a preference for bloodworms, live feeder guppies, and Daphnia. Moreover, their nutritional needs can be supplemented with vegetable-based foods such as spinach, zucchini, and peas.
To maintain optimal water quality over an extended period, it is advisable to feed them small portions multiple times throughout the day rather than a single large feeding. It is also beneficial to incorporate vitamins and supplements into their diet to enhance their overall health and well-being.
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