Are you a proud owner of Auratus Cichlids and wondering what fish would make the perfect companions for them? Look no further!
In this article, we will guide you through the top 12 tank mates that are compatible with your feisty Auratus Cichlids. These non-aggressive fish, such as the Yellow Lab, Snow White Cichlid, and Kenyi Cichlid, will create a harmonious environment in your tank.
So, get ready to learn about the best companions for your Auratus Cichlids and provide them with a happy and thriving community.
Key Takeaways
- Auratus cichlids are aggressive and should not be housed with peaceful or stress-prone fish.
- They can attack larger fish, so the size of tank mates does not matter.
- Multiple male Auratus cichlids can lead to aggression and competition.
- The ideal tank setup for a single Auratus cichlid is at least 50 gallons to reduce territorial conflicts.
Yellow Lab – Labidochromis Caeruleus
You should consider adding a Yellow Lab (Labidochromis caeruleus) to your tank as a compatible tank mate for your Auratus cichlid.
The Yellow Lab is a moderate care level fish that originates from Lake Malawi in East Africa. It reaches an adult size of around 4 inches, making it a suitable companion for your Auratus cichlid, which has an average size of 4.5 inches.
The Yellow Lab is known for its vibrant yellow coloration, adding a pop of color to your tank. It is also compatible with other Malawi cichlids and can coexist peacefully with the Auratus cichlid.
With proper care and a suitable tank setup, the Yellow Lab and the Auratus cichlid will thrive together, creating a visually appealing and harmonious environment in your tank.
Snow White Cichlid – Pseudotropheus Socolofi Albino
Consider adding a Snow White Cichlid, also known as Pseudotropheus Socolofi Albino, to your aquarium as a potential tank mate for your Auratus Cichlid. This stunning cichlid species can bring a touch of elegance to your tank while providing an interesting dynamic.
Here are four reasons why the Snow White Cichlid is a great choice:
- Peaceful Nature: The Snow White Cichlid is known for its peaceful temperament, making it an excellent companion for the aggressive Auratus Cichlid.
- Similar Size: Both the Auratus and Snow White Cichlids have an adult size of around 4.5 inches, ensuring compatibility and reducing the risk of one overpowering the other.
- Lake Malawi Origin: Both species hail from Lake Malawi in East Africa, creating a natural synergy and promoting a harmonious environment.
- Moderate Care Level: The Snow White Cichlid is relatively easy to care for, making it suitable for aquarists of all skill levels.
Kenyi Cichlid – Maylandia Lombardoi
The Kenyi Cichlid, also known as Maylandia Lombardoi, is a vibrant and colorful species that can add a bold presence to your aquarium. This cichlid is native to Lake Malawi in East Africa and has a moderate care level. With an adult size of 5.1 inches, the Kenyi Cichlid is compatible with other Mbunas of similar size but different colors. To help you visualize the compatibility of the Kenyi Cichlid with other fish, here is a table:
| Fish Name | Scientific Name | Adult Size |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Lab | Labidochromis caeruleus | 4 inches |
| Snow White Cichlid | Pseudotropheus socolofi Albino | 6 inches |
| Kenyi Cichlid | Maylandia lombardoi | 5.1 inches |
| Zebra Obliquidens | Astatotilapia latifasciata | up to 5 inches |
| Demasoni Cichlid | Pseudotropheus demasoni | 3 inches |
With its striking colors and compatibility with other Mbunas, the Kenyi Cichlid is a great choice for your aquarium.
Zebra Obliquidens – Astatotilapia Latifasciata
If you’re looking for a vibrant and compatible addition to your aquarium, the Zebra Obliquidens is a great choice.
This fish, scientifically known as Astatotilapia latifasciata, can grow up to 5 inches in size.
With its striking black and white striped pattern, it adds a beautiful contrast to any tank.
The Zebra Obliquidens is a moderate care level fish and originates from Uganda.
It is compatible with other African cichlids, making it a versatile choice for your tank.
Just ensure that you provide proper filtration and maintain a water temperature of 73-82 degrees with a pH level of 7.7-8.6.
Demasoni Cichlid – Pseudotropheus Demasoni
When choosing tank mates for your Demasoni cichlid, ensure you select other aggressive Mbuna species that are similar in size.
The Demasoni cichlid, scientifically known as Pseudotropheus demasoni, is a small but feisty fish that originates from Lake Malawi. With an adult size of around 3 inches, it is important to choose tank mates that can hold their own against its aggressive nature.
Other aggressive Mbuna species like Yellow Lab, Snow White Cichlid, Kenyi Cichlid, Zebra Obliquidens, Red Zebra, Cobalt Blue, Giant Danio, Leopard Bush Fish, and Suckermouth Catfish can be suitable companions for the Demasoni cichlid. These fish are similar in size and temperament, creating a harmonious environment in your aquarium.
Red Zebra – Maylandia Estherae
Consider pairing your Red Zebra cichlid with compatible tank mates like Bumblebee Cichlids, Cuckoo Catfish, Aurora Cichlids, or Hongi Cichlids. These fish will create a harmonious and visually appealing community in your aquarium.
Here are three reasons why these tank mates are a great choice for your Red Zebra cichlid:
- Compatibility: Bumblebee Cichlids, Cuckoo Catfish, Aurora Cichlids, and Hongi Cichlids share similar temperaments and water requirements with Red Zebras. This ensures a peaceful coexistence and reduces the risk of aggressive behavior.
- Visual Contrast: The vibrant colors and patterns of these tank mates will complement the striking appearance of Red Zebras. The contrasting hues will create a visually stunning display in your aquarium.
- Ecological Balance: These tank mates come from the same region, Lake Malawi in East Africa, and have similar care levels. This helps to maintain a balanced ecosystem and promotes the overall well-being of the fish.
Cobalt Blue – Maylandia Callainos
Pair your Cobalt Blue cichlid with other Mbunas of similar size and different colors to create a visually appealing and balanced aquarium community.
The Cobalt Blue, scientifically known as Maylandia callainos, is a moderate care level cichlid that originates from Lake Malawi. With its striking blue coloration, it can add a vibrant touch to your tank.
When choosing tank mates for your Cobalt Blue, it is important to consider their size and color. Mbunas like the Kenyi Cichlid, Zebra Obliquidens, and Red Zebra are great options as they are similar in size but have different color patterns.
Additionally, the Cobalt Blue can coexist with other aggressive Mbunas like the Demasoni Cichlid and the Snow White Cichlid.
Giant Danio – Devario Aequipinnatus
To create an active and visually dynamic aquarium community, you can add a Giant Danio to your tank as they are compatible with similar-sized and robust fish. The Giant Danio, scientifically known as Devario aequipinnatus, is an easy-care fish originating from India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. With an adult size of 4-6 inches, these energetic fish bring life and movement to your tank. They thrive in freshwater environments and prefer to be in schools of at least six. Giant Danios are known for their vibrant colors, silver bodies, and blue stripes that run along their sides. They are active swimmers and enjoy exploring the entire tank. Consider adding Giant Danios to your community tank to create a lively and captivating underwater world.
Here is a table showcasing the compatibility of Giant Danios with other popular aquarium fish:
| Fish | Scientific Name | Adult Size | Care Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corydoras Catfish | Corydoras sp. | 2-3 inches | Easy |
| Pearl Gourami | Trichogaster leeri | 4-6 inches | Moderate |
| Harlequin Rasbora | Trigonostigma heteromorpha | 1-2 inches | Easy |
| Swordtail | Xiphophorus helleri | 3-4 inches | Easy |
| Black Skirt Tetra | Gymnocorymbus ternetzi | 2-3 inches | Easy |
Leopard Bush Fish – Ctenopoma Acutirostre
If you’re looking for a unique and visually striking fish to add to your aquarium, the Leopard Bush Fish, scientifically known as Ctenopoma acutirostre, is an excellent choice.
This fish is native to Africa and can grow up to 6 inches in size. It has a beautiful leopard-like pattern on its body, which makes it stand out in any tank.
The Leopard Bush Fish is a peaceful and solitary species that prefers to hide among plants and decorations in the tank. It is compatible with other cichlids, swordtails, and similar-sized fish. However, it may eat smaller fish, so it’s important to choose tank mates wisely.
Providing plenty of hiding spots and a well-maintained aquarium will ensure the health and happiness of your Leopard Bush Fish.
Suckermouth Catfish – Hypostomus Plecostomus
When considering tank mates for your Suckermouth Catfish, remember to choose fish that are compatible in size and temperament. Here are four important factors to consider:
- Size Compatibility: Opt for fish that are similar in size to your Suckermouth Catfish. This will help prevent any potential aggression or bullying in the tank.
- Temperament Matching: Look for fish species that have a peaceful temperament. Suckermouth Catfish are generally calm and non-aggressive, so choosing tank mates with a similar disposition will ensure a harmonious tank environment.
- Bottom-Dwelling Fish: Since Suckermouth Catfish primarily stay near the bottom of the tank, it’s best to select fish that occupy different water levels. This will help minimize competition for territory and resources.
- Algae-Eating Companions: Suckermouth Catfish are known for their ability to graze on algae. Consider adding fish species that also enjoy algae, such as certain species of Plecos or Otocinclus Catfish. This will help maintain a clean and well-balanced aquarium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Auratus Cichlids Be Housed With Peaceful or Stress-Prone Fish?
No, you shouldn’t house peaceful or stress-prone fish with auratus cichlids. They are aggressive and can attack smaller fish, including newbie fish that resemble them. It’s best to choose compatible tank mates from the recommended list.
How Big Do Auratus Cichlids Grow?
Auratus cichlids can grow to an average size of around 4.5 inches. Males are slightly larger than females. They can attack larger fish regardless of size. Newbie fish resembling Auratus may be attacked.
Do Auratus Cichlids Attack Larger Fish?
Auratus cichlids can indeed attack larger fish, regardless of size. They are aggressive species, and it’s important to consider their temperament before choosing tank mates. Keep this in mind when selecting companions for your Auratus cichlids.
Can Female Auratus Cichlids Be Aggressive Towards Subordinate Males?
Yes, female Auratus cichlids can be aggressive towards subordinate males. It’s important to provide ample space and hiding spots to reduce aggression. Consider keeping a single male with a few females.
What Water Conditions Are Ideal for Auratus Cichlids?
The ideal water conditions for Auratus cichlids are a temperature range of 73-82 degrees and a pH level of 7.7-8.6. These conditions ensure their well-being and health in your tank.
