Rusty Cichlid

• Scientific Name: Iodotropheus sprengerae.
• Common Names: Rusty Cichlid, Lavender Cichlid.
• Origin: Endemic to Lake Malawi (specifically around Boadzulu and Chinyankwazi Islands).
• Adult Size: Typically reaches 8–10 cm (approx. 3–4 inches).
• Lifespan: 7–10 years with optimal care. 

• Tank Size: A minimum of 120–150 litres (approx. 26–33 imperial gallons) for a small group. A 120 cm (4-foot) tank is preferred to manage aggression if kept with other species.
• Substrate: Coral sand or aragonite is highly recommended. It helps maintain the high pH and hardness these fish require while allowing them to exhibit natural digging behaviours.
• Decor: Create a “rockwork” landscape using Ocean Rock, Texas Hole Rock, or Slate. Ensure there are plenty of caves and crevices for hiding and establishing territories.
• Plants: Most plants will be eaten or uprooted. Robust species like Anubias or Java Fern can be wedged into rockwork.
• Filtration: Over-filtration is essential. External canister filters with high turnover rates are best for managing the waste levels of a rift valley setup. 

• Temperature: 23°C – 28°C (73°F – 82°F).
• pH Range: 7.5 – 8.8 (Ideally 8.0 or higher).
• Hardness: 10 – 25 °dGH.
• Maintenance: Perform 25% weekly water changes. If using soft tap water, use a Malawi salt buffer to stabilise chemistry. 

• Foods: High-quality spirulina-based flakes or pellets should be the staple. Supplement with frozen foods like Mysis or Brine Shrimp once or twice a week.
• Warning: Avoid high-protein “mammalian” meats or Tubifex worms, as these can lead to “Malawi Bloat,” a serious digestive issue.

• Social: Best kept in a harem (one male to 3–4 females) to spread out any breeding aggression.
• Tank Mates: They are among the most peaceful Mbuna. Suitable tank mates include Labidochromis caeruleus (Yellow Labs), Acei cichlids, or peaceful Aulonocara (Peacock cichlids).
• Note: Avoid keeping them with overly aggressive Mbuna like Melanochromis, as the Rusties may be bullied. 

• Process: The male will display to a female and lead her to a flat rock. After spawning, the female gathers the eggs in her mouth.
• Incubation: She will “hold” the eggs/fry for roughly 21 days, during which she will not eat.
• Fry Care: Once released, the fry can eat finely crushed flakes or baby brine shrimp. Provide small rock crevices for the fry to hide from adult fish. 

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Our nationwide delivery service makes it easy to receive your fish directly at your door, anywhere in the UK, for a flat rate of just £30. This convenient service allows you to order up to 10kg of fish, with the assurance that they will arrive in excellent condition. To make the fishes journey as comfortable as possible we use Oxygen in the fish bags and heat packs in all the boxes of fish we send out.