Aurora Cichlid

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Pseudotropheus sp. "Aurora"
• Common Name: Aurora Cichlid
• Adult Size: 4–5 inches (10–13 cm)
• Life Expectancy: 6–8 years
• Habitat: Rocky coastal zones of Lake Malawi, where they inhabit crevices and caves

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons for a single specimen; 55+ gallons recommended for groups or mixed Mbuna setups
• Ideal Temperature: 75–80°F (24–27°C)
• pH Range: 7.8–8.6
• Water Hardness: 10–20 dGH
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive to aggressive; highly territorial, especially males during breeding; best kept with similarly tempered Mbuna species

Diet & Nutrition

• Omnivorous: Yes
  • Prefers a herbivorous-leaning diet with some protein
  • Feed spirulina-based flakes or pellets, algae wafers, and occasional live/frozen foods (e.g. brine shrimp)
  • Avoid high-protein animal-based foods like bloodworms to reduce risk of Malawi bloat

Appearance

• Males are striking with dark vertical bars over a blue to greenish base, and often display iridescent shades of yellow, orange, or even violet depending on mood and dominance
• Females are generally duller, with more muted colors—often brownish or gray-blue
• Fins can have bright highlights, especially during breeding displays

Distinctive Features

• Bold vertical striping with rich, shifting body coloration under aquarium lighting
• Strong jaw structure typical of Mbuna species for scraping algae
• Active and territorial—requires plenty of rockwork for shelter and territory boundaries