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The rusty cichlid, Iodotropheus sprengerae, is a freshwater fish of the cichlid family. It is also known as lavender mbuna or lavender cichlid. This mbuna species is endemic to Boadzulu and Chinyankwazi Islands regions of Lake Malawi. It prefers a temperature range of 24-26°C.
Rusty cichlids are elongate fish that can grow up to about 11 cm. Juveniles and females are rusty brown color, while mature males have lavender purple hue.
Rusty cichlids are mouthbrooders. Females hold their fertilized eggs and fry, in their mouth for a few weeks before releasing the fry.
Aquarium Care:
Although not entirely a peaceful fish, the rusty cichlid is considered one of the lesser aggressive among the mbuna cichlids. This quality makes rusty cichlids an ideal starter fish for aquarists with less experience keeping the mbuna. Hiding places and space should be provided or this fish will be bullied by their more aggressive tank mates. Rusty cichlids are omnivorous and will eat various kinds of food, but meaty food can often cause them serious digestive problems.
Rusty cichlids are elongate fish that can grow up to about 11 cm. Juveniles and females are rusty brown color, while mature males have lavender purple hue.
Rusty cichlids are mouthbrooders. Females hold their fertilized eggs and fry, in their mouth for a few weeks before releasing the fry.
Aquarium Care:
Although not entirely a peaceful fish, the rusty cichlid is considered one of the lesser aggressive among the mbuna cichlids. This quality makes rusty cichlids an ideal starter fish for aquarists with less experience keeping the mbuna. Hiding places and space should be provided or this fish will be bullied by their more aggressive tank mates. Rusty cichlids are omnivorous and will eat various kinds of food, but meaty food can often cause them serious digestive problems.
| Scientific Name | Iodotropheus sprengerae |
| Size | 4 |
Customer Reviews
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great service from LiveFish Review by James
Customer Rating I ordered 5 of these initially, but 3 were DOA. submitted my claim and received store credit with a couple of days. Ordered another 3 and they arrived live and healthy. all fish are doing fantastic in my Malawi tank. Very active fish and getting along well with the Electric Yellows in the tank. a very positive experience and some great fish (Posted on 17/11/11)
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Attractive and peaceful community cichlid Review by Fishtrap2
Customer Rating Added two juvenile rusty cichlids to my Malawi tank (Aqua Grand 500) some time ago, turns out to be male and female. The male is the more vibrantly coloured of the two, however the female is quite attractive as well. To date I have 4 surviving offsrping from various batches of young. All fish mate consistently in the tank and all of the Rusti's are well coloured. These fish are very easy to get along with and apart from some shows of strength amonst the males are very placid tank mates. The male is very striking with a rusty tan colouring and prominent purple through the abdomen. Females are similar but not quite as vibrant. Tank mates include Lombardoi, Electric Blue & Yellow, Red Empress, Red Firebird and just added Auratus, Blotch Zebra, Hongi & Msuli Point. Tank has many caves for hiding and territory marking. (Posted on 7/10/10)
