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 (152)
Avoid (119)
Computed by the AquaSage engine for a spacious reference tank — always check the full verdict for your exact setup in the calculator.
Telling males from females
What works for this species, most reliable first.
- VentingStrong · only on a mature fish, easiest when she is in breeding condition
The method breeders use when the answer has to be right. Hold the fish upside down in a wet hand or soft net and look at the two openings ahead of the anal fin. The forward one is the anus; the one behind it is what you are reading.
- Egg spotsA hint only · from about 6 months
The yellow or orange ocelli on the anal fin of Malawi cichlids, traditionally explained as a lure that draws the female into mouthing them, fertilising the eggs she is already holding.
- Adult sizeA hint only · only across animals of the same age
In many cichlids, catfish and loaches one sex simply grows larger — usually the male, though there are well-known reversals.
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Frequently asked questions
- What tank size does a Rusty Cichlid need?
- A Rusty Cichlid needs an aquarium of at least 200 litres (52.8 US gallons) with a footprint at least 120 cm (47.2 in) long — for this species, swimming length matters as much as raw volume.
- What water parameters does a Rusty Cichlid need?
- Rusty Cichlid does best at 23–28 °C (73.4–82.4 °F), pH 7.5–8.6 and a general hardness of 10–25 °dGH.
- What group size does a Rusty Cichlid need?
- Rusty Cichlid is a social species — keep a group of at least 4 so natural behaviour emerges and stress stays low.
- Is the Rusty Cichlid suitable for beginners?
- Yes — Rusty Cichlid is one of the easier species to keep and forgives typical first-tank mistakes, as long as the aquarium is cycled and maintained.