Photo: Gerard Delany, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
Rusty cichlid
Iodotropheus sprengerae
10 cm
Adult size
100 L
Minimum volume
4
Minimum group
8 years
Lifespan
Water parameters
Understand these values- Genus
- Iodotropheus
- Diet
- omnivore
- Social life
- harem
In the wild
Overview
One of the smallest and least aggressive mbuna, with a rusty, purplish colouring. Its temperament, its discreet but unusual colours and its small size make it an excellent first mbuna, content with a more modest tank. It is listed as near threatened.
- Scientific name
- Iodotropheus sprengerae Oliver & Loiselle, 1972
- Classification
- Cichliformes › Cichlidae
- IUCN Red List
- Near threatened (NT)
Natural habitat
Endemic to southern Lake Malawi: Boadzulu, Chinyankwazi and Chinyamwezi islands
Observations (GBIF) and localities Native countries Rivers and lakes
It lives in shallow coastal zones along rocky shores.
Behaviour
Easily dominated by larger, boisterous species, it needs carefully chosen companions: Aulonocara, Copadichromis, Protomelas or Labidochromis caeruleus, even some calm Tanganyikan species. Rival males are territorial. An omnivore: plant matter (spirulina, spinach) should make up a large part of its diet, supplemented with small live or frozen prey.
Sources:FishBase Seriously Fish GBIF · Base map: Natural Earth