Common name/s: Rusty

Scientific name:Iodotropheus Sprengerae

Family:Cichlidae

Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa

Maximum size: 5"

Care: This is a mildly aggressive species from the mbuna family, and a good choice for a less aggressive mbuna aquarium. The minimum recommended tank size for these fish is 30 gallons. The aquarium should be decorated with a number of hiding spots including caves of various sizes. Sand substrate is appreciated by these fish, but is not necessary. Rusty’s are best kept in water with a PH of 7.5 or higher, at a temperature between 75° and 80°. These cichlids can be housed with mbuna of a milder temperment, and should not be housed with anything overly aggressive. Proper diet and clean conditions are very important for the long term health of this fish.

Feeding: As an omnivorous species, a diet of spirulina flake, along with a high quality cichlid pellet or flake, is best. Fresh vegetables and live or frozen invertebrates may be supplemented.

Sexing and breeding: Iodo. Sprengarae is typically a dark brown when young. As they mature they turn to a rusty orange color, often with a violet tint. They are a uniquely colored species, unlike any other mbuna. These fish are extremely difficult to sex, especially when young, but their fairly passive nature allows for multiple males to co-exist in the same tank with minimal aggression. As mouthbrooders, females will incubate and hatch the eggs in her buchal pouch, and then continue to hold the fry until the yolk sacs have been consumed. A typical holding period for this cichlid is 4 weeks, and the female will not eat during this time, though they seem to be adept at sneaking in the occasional flake. Once spit, fry are left to fend for themselves. In order to raise fry the female should be separated into a holding tank, and removed once the fry have been spit. Fry can be fed powdered spirulina and cichlid foods as well as baby brine shrimp.

A picture of my Rusty......