Tank setup
Size the aquarium to Rusty Cichlid's adult size and activity level. Match décor to natural behaviour — plants, rockwork, or open swimming room as needed.
pH
7.7 - 8.6
Temperature
23° - 28 °C
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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
Select a tank to see how this species fits.
Everything you need to keep Rusty Cichlid healthy in a South African setup.
Size the aquarium to Rusty Cichlid's adult size and activity level. Match décor to natural behaviour — plants, rockwork, or open swimming room as needed.
Keep pH 7.7–8.6 and 23–28°C. Stable parameters matter more than chasing perfect numbers — acclimate new arrivals slowly.
Rusty Cichlid is an omnivore. Feed a varied diet appropriate for freshwater fish — quality flakes, pellets, or frozen foods sized to the mouth.
Rusty Cichlid is generally peaceful. Observe during feeding and at lights-out for true temperament.
Pair with similarly sized peaceful tankmates in freshwater fish. Avoid fin-nippers or species that outgrow this fish.
Breeding notes for Rusty Cichlid vary by line and water chemistry — ask your local shop about proven pairs in SA.
From hobbyists across SA.
Species that typically work alongside Rusty Cichlid in a similar setup.
Venustus Cichlid
Nimbochromis venustus
Electric Yellow Cichlid
Labidochromis caeruleus
Peacock Cichlid
Aulonocara sp.
Parrot Cichlid
Amphilophus citrinellus x Paraneetroplus synspilus
Bolivian Ram
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
Blue Acara
Andinoacara pulcher
Jack Dempsey
Rocio octofasciata
Discus
Symphysodon aequifasciatus