Rusty Cichlid
Iodotropheus sprengerae
What you need to keep a Rusty Cichlid
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pH
7.7–8.6
Temperature
23–28 °C
Where to buy
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Overview
What to know before you buy.
The Rusty Cichlid is considered one of the most peaceful Mbuna, making it a good 'starter' for a Malawi cichlid tank. It has a lovely lavender to rusty-orange body color. While less aggressive, it still requires the typical hard, alkaline water and rocky aquascape of a Mbuna setup.
Key traits
Care guide
Keeping Rusty Cichlid healthy in a South African setup.
Tank setup
Size the aquarium to Rusty Cichlid's adult size and activity level. Use robust décor and sight breaks so each fish can hold its own space.
Water parameters
Keep pH 7.7–8.6 and 23–28°C. Stable parameters matter more than chasing perfect numbers; acclimate new arrivals slowly.
Feeding
Omnivore. Feed small amounts it clears in a couple of minutes, and vary the diet.
Behaviour
Semi-aggressive. Watch it at feeding time and at lights-out to see its real temperament in your tank.
Tankmates
Choose robust tankmates of similar size, and nothing small enough to be eaten. Add Rusty Cichlid last so territories reset.
Breeding
Breeding success with Rusty Cichlid depends on the line and water chemistry; ask your shop about proven pairs.
Keeping African cichlids?
Rift Lake cichlids want hard, alkaline water — most SA tap water is softer than that.
10% off your first order, no code, at checkout
Availability confirmed with the distributor before dispatch · free delivery over r750
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