Fishician®Diet
Herbivore – spirulina flake, algae wafers, vegetable matter
Aquarium species profile
Rusty Cichlid
Iodotropheus sprengerae · Lake Malawi (Boadzulu Island)
Minimum tank40 gal
Adult size4"
Care levelEasy
TemperamentSemi-Aggressive
Temperature76–82°F
pH range7.8–8.5
Compatible tank mates
Other Mbuna of similar size, Synodontis catfish
Tank mates to avoid
Very aggressive Mbuna, passive Peacocks/Haps
Care notes
One of the most peaceful Mbuna. Males are rusty brown-purple with lavender iridescence. Excellent beginner Malawi cichlid. Grazes on algae. Less aggressive than most Mbuna.
Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.