Need Help identifying my Cichlid

[Justin1981]

Hello everyone,

I acquired this cichlid at my local Petco and it was only labeled as an "African Cichlid".

Any help you could give me identifying this fish would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Justin

 

[Brookster123]

It's an African cichlid. Wont do well with the plants or any other fish other than more male African cichlids.

 

[NicosAquatics]

That appears to be a Melanochromis auratus. When they are young, they stay a beautiful yellow color with white striping. When they mature the males turn black like yours. They are extremely aggressive, but with natural tank dividers such as floating plants, driftwood or rocks and over stocking, they will be fine. Also, Cichlids ACTUALLY do DO WELL with plants.

 

[Fishlegend]

Welcome to AA!

You don't happen to live in new Mexico do you Justin?

 

[Fishlegend]

Because I know someone in new mexico whose name was Justin AND I think might have been born in 1981 not sure he has African chiclids with plants and black substrate !!!!! This is a ginormous quincidence

 

[Brookster123]

That appears to be a Melanochromis auratus. When they are young, they stay a beautiful yellow color with white striping. When they mature the males turn black like yours. They are extremely aggressive, but with natural tank dividers such as floating plants, driftwood or rocks and over stocking, they will be fine. Also, Cichlids ACTUALLY do DO WELL with plants.

Yah. They love eating plants, I guess I should have phrased it differently.