Rusty Cichlid

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Scientific Name

Iodotropheus sprengerae

Min. Tank Size

30 gallons

Personality

Peaceful

Temperature

75-82°F

pH

7.5-8.8/10-25°dGH

Size

4"

Diet

Omnivore

Breeding

Egglayer

Compatibility

Best kept with other small, peaceful Lake Malawi species.

Rusty Cichlid

Also called the Lavender Cichlid or Lavender Mbuna, the Rusty Cichlid is endemic to Lake Malawi, one of the African Great Lakes. These fish tend to inhabit the shallow waters along the shoreline in the southern part of the lake. Rusty Cichlids are named for the rusty brown coloration they exhibit as juveniles. As these fish mature, most specimens develop a lavender hue. The fins of these fish are usually golden brown in color with purple edging along the dorsal fin.

Tank Set-Up

Rusty Cichlids are fairly easy to keep in the home aquarium and are thus often recommended for new aquarium hobbyists. These fish prefer sandy substrate and the tank should be decorated with plenty of rocks to create caves and hiding places. Because these fish are very sensitive to changes in water chemistry, excellent filtration is required and large water changes should be avoided. Regular partial water changes should be part of the normal aquarium maintenance regimen.

Feeding

This species of Cichlid is omnivorous by nature and will accept almost any kind of food it is offered. Feed Rusty Cichlids a variety of vegetable-based foods like Spirulina flakes and blanched vegetables, supplementing the diet with live and frozen foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp. Do not feed these fish too many high-protein foods because they may have trouble digesting them. A regular varied diet is important for optimum health and coloration.

Breeding

Breeding Rusty Cichlids is considered to be fairly easy. These fish are maternal mouthbrooders which means that, after spawning, the female will take the eggs into her mouth to incubate them until they hatch. A breeding tank for Rusty Cichlids should be decorated with flat rocks as spawning sites and the water in the tank should be kept at a pH between 8.0 and 8.5 and a temperature around 78 degrees Fahrenheit. The average brood size of this species is 5 to 60 and the fry typically hatch after being brooded by the female for about 3 weeks.