Iodotropheus sprengerae

Common name Rusty cichlid Picture of Iodotropheus sprengerae

© Sean Evans

Scientific name Iodotropheus sprengerae

Synonyms

Size 3-4" (7.5-10cm)

Origin Lake Malawi, East Africa

Tank setup Typical mbuna tank with many rock caves

Compatibility Combine with other mbuna species, which are not too aggressive.

Temperature 23-28^oC (73-82^oF)

Water chemistry Hard and alkaline: pH 7.6-8.6 ; GH 7 plus ; KH 10-12

Feeding Omnivorous: feed live, frozen and flake foods.

Sexing Colour is identical, but males have clear egg-spots and a longer anal fin.

Breeding Mouthbrooder. Spawning may produce between 5 and 60 eggs.

Comments This species is not particularly aggressive and may be bullied by more aggressive tankmates. The base colour of this species is brown, but with the right feeding, the adults should develop an attractive purple sheen.

See also the Malawi mbuna section for more detailed info on keeping and breeding the Malawi mbuna cichlids.

Malawi

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This website was last updated on 18th January 2008

Common name	Rusty cichlid	`© Sean Evans`
Scientific name	Iodotropheus sprengerae
Synonyms
Size	3-4" (7.5-10cm)
Origin	Lake Malawi, East Africa
Tank setup	Typical mbuna tank with many rock caves
Compatibility	Combine with other mbuna species, which are not too aggressive.
Temperature	23-28^oC (73-82^oF)
Water chemistry	Hard and alkaline: pH 7.6-8.6 ; GH 7 plus ; KH 10-12
Feeding	Omnivorous: feed live, frozen and flake foods.
Sexing	Colour is identical, but males have clear egg-spots and a longer anal fin.
Breeding	Mouthbrooder. Spawning may produce between 5 and 60 eggs.
Comments	This species is not particularly aggressive and may be bullied by more aggressive tankmates. The base colour of this species is brown, but with the right feeding, the adults should develop an attractive purple sheen.