The Auratus is a native of Lake Malawi. Found primarily on the southern end of the lake. Territorial and aggressive, it is best suited for an aquarium dedicated to other mbuna african fish. As with the other rift lake africans, these guys prefer a much higher PH up to as much as 8.2 and very hard water. Maxing out at about 6", they will eat any commercial pellet of flake food. Black worms should be used very sparingly or even not at all. Brine shrimp, Daphnia and Mysis Shrimp re all acceptable live or frozen foods.