Rusty Cichlid Care Guide
Iodotropheus sprengerae
Stocking Calculator
Bioload Score
6000
Semi-AggressiveModerate
- Max Size
- 10 cm / 4"
- Temperature
- 24–28°C (75–82°F)
- pH Range
- 7.6 – 8.6
- Min Tank Size
- 200L (53 gal)
- Min Group Size
- 6 fish
- Tank Level
- Mid-Top
- Origin
- Africa
- Temperament
- Semi-Aggressive
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Breeding Difficulty
- Easy
Diet
Primarily herbivorous, grazing algae and aufwuchs, with vegetable-based foods and occasional protein-rich foods.
Community Compatibility
Suitable tankmates include similarly sized, robust Lake Malawi mbuna such as Yellow Labs, Maingano and other relatively peaceful mbuna.
Good to Know
The Rusty Cichlid is one of the more distinctive Lake Malawi mbuna, with its unusual lavender-to-rust coloration giving rise to both its common name and the name Iodotropheus.
Gender Differences
Males are usually more intensely violet or blue-grey with clearer egg spots on the anal fin, while females tend to remain browner or more uniformly rusty in colour.
Stock Rusty Cichlid in Your Tank
Use our free stocking calculator to see if Rusty Cichlid fits your aquarium