It is endemic to the southern region of Lake Malawi, particularly from Jalo Reef southward along the entire western coast down to Crocodile Rocks.

Auratus cichlids are small, elongate fish that can grow up to 11 centimetres (4.3 in).

Juveniles and females are bright yellow with black and white stripes on the upper half of the body.

Adult male coloration is drastically different with dark brown or black body and light blue or yellow stripes on the upper half of the body.

In aquarium stores, there will usually be one dominant male that is colored black, the rest will display the submissive "female" coloration of yellow.