Rusty Cichlid
Iodotropheus sprengerae
Cichlidae
About
The rusty cichlid is a small mbuna endemic to the rocky shores of the southern Lake Malawi basin, coloured in muted rusty-brown to soft lavender that deepens as fish mature. Reaching only about 10 cm and famously one of the least aggressive mbuna, it is among the best Rift Lake cichlids for newcomers, thriving as a harem in hard, alkaline water over sand and generous rockwork.
Care
Keep a harem of one male with three or more females in hard, alkaline water (pH 7.8-8.4) over sand with plenty of rock caves in a tank of at least 200 L. One of the calmest mbuna, but males still hold territory, so avoid a bare layout and do not mix with delicate community fish.
Diet
Herbivorous aufwuchs grazer; feed spirulina- and vegetable-based foods with blanched greens. Strictly limit protein-rich foods to prevent Malawi bloat.
Tankmate compatibility
Possible with care (104)
Avoid (17)
Computed by the AquaSage engine for a spacious reference tank — always check the full verdict for your exact setup in the calculator.