Maylandia aurora is a species of cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi where it is only known from the southern half of Likoma Island where it prefers habitats with rocky substrates close to sand. Males of this species can reach a length of 8.7 centimetres (3.4 in) SL while females reach 8 centimetres (3.1 in) SL. It is also found in the aquarium trade.