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Melanochromis auratus is living along the rocky coasts and in the intermediate zones between rocks and sand in the southern part of the lake. They can be found on several locations between Jalo Reef and Crocodile Rock, near Chipoka, Rifu, Senga Point and Nkhomo Reef. In spite of this reasonable spreading there are only existing a few geographic variants of this species with some small color differences. This variant can be found in the neighbourhood of Maleri Island. In the lake the males of these species can grow to 10 cm, in the aquarium however they can grow taller because of a good feeding. The males can then grow to about 12 cm, females grow to about 10 cm. Melanochromis auratus can behave intolerant against equal male, against other inhabitants they are in general tolerant. You can best keep this species with multiple females and other mbuna in an aquarium with a lot of hiding places. In the lake they are mainly feeding themselves with algae from the rocks. In the aquarium they are comfortable with any food. They take everything they get offered, like spirulina pellets, mysis, artemia, cyclops and shrimp-peas mix. Food rich of algea like spirulina pellets or flakes is very important to them so this should not be missing on their menu. 
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