From Aqua Guide, the free encyclopedia
Rusty Cichlid
Iodotropheus sprengerae
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C
- pH
- 7.8 – 8.6
- Min. tank size
- 200 L
- Lifespan
- 5-8 years
- Diet
- omnivore
- Care level
- easy
Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. That describes the wild population — the criteria cover only wild populations inside their natural range, and captive-bred fish are not assessed. Captive-bred stock is widely available and takes nothing from the wild population.
| Scientific classification | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name: | Iodotropheus sprengerae |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Origin: | Africa (Lake Malawi, East African Rift) |
| Care Characteristics | |
| Care Level: | easy |
| Diet: | omnivore |
| Max Size: | 10.80 cm |
| Water Type: | freshwater |
| Temp Group: | tropical |
| Temperament: | semi aggressive |
| Min Group: | 4+ together |
| Varieties: | No cultivated strains — the wild-type fish is what is sold, and its colour is subtle enough that selective breeding has never taken hold. Locality variation exists across the few reefs where it occurs — Boadzulu, Chinyankwazi and Chinyamwezi — but the differences are slight and the trade rarely distinguishes them. The genus Iodotropheus contains a handful of species, of which this is by far the most common in the hobby. The species was named after Kappy Sprenger, an aquarist from Los Gatos, California, whose work identified it as a previously undescribed species — an unusual origin story for a fish now sold worldwide. Among other mbuna, the acei, socolofi and yellow lab are the comparable calm species, and a community built from those four is the standard recommendation for a first Rift Lake tank. The kenyi, auratus and red zebra are the ones to avoid alongside them. |
| Lifespan: | 5-8 years |
Quick Tips
- Bioload:Medium to high
- Min Tank:200 L
- Substrate:Aragonite/coral sand; many rock caves
- Plant Safe:Not reliably plant-safe (may dig/nibble)
- Filtration:High (hard alkaline water; strong filtration)
Rusty Cichlid (Iodotropheus sprengerae) is a species of fish in the family Cichlidae. It is native to Africa (Lake Malawi, East African Rift). The rusty cichlid is the mbuna to start with. It is described as one of the least aggressive among the mbuna cichlids, which makes it suitable for less experienced aquarists — an assessment that holds up in practice. It is a modest fish by mbuna standards: juveniles and females are a rusty brown, while mature males develop a lavender-purple hue, and the whole effect is subtle rather than gaudy. It reaches 10.8 cm standard length and is endemic to Lake Malawi, restricted to islands and reefs in the south-eastern arm of the lake around Boadzulu, Chinyankwazi and Chinyamwezi. It is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN, with the aquarium trade and increased sedimentation named among the threats. The species is named after Kappy Sprenger, the aquarist who recognised it as undescribed.
Compatibility
- Temperament
- semi aggressive
- Keep in
- Groups of 4+
- Swims
- middle
- Fin nipper
- No
- Delicate fins
- No
Species similar to Rusty Cichlid
Matched on family, then category, then water type