Rusty

Rusty Cichlid – A Peaceful and Beautiful Choice for Malawi Cichlid Aquariums

The Rusty Cichlid (Iodotropheus sprengerae) is a popular Mbuna species from Lake Malawi, prized for its unique rusty-orange body color that blends into purple-blue hues on its fins. Unlike many Mbuna, Rusty Cichlids are known for their milder temperament, making them an excellent choice for hobbyists who want to enjoy the beauty and activity of African cichlids without excessive aggression.

Rusty Cichlids thrive in rocky aquascapes with caves and plenty of hiding spots, mimicking their natural habitat. They coexist well with other peaceful to moderately aggressive Malawi species when kept in well-planned community tanks.

Key Features:

• Rusty-Orange Body with Purple-Blue Fins: A unique and beautiful color combination.

• Peaceful Mbuna Species: Less aggressive than most, ideal for mixed cichlid setups.

• Medium Size: Reaches about 4-5 inches in adulthood.

• Active and Hardy: Perfect for rocky, structured environments with plenty of hiding spots.

• Great for Beginners to Experienced Keepers: Easy to care for with proper water conditions.

Recommended Tank Conditions:

• Tank Size: Minimum 50 gallons

• Temperature: 24°C – 28°C

• pH: 7.8 – 8.6

• Hardness: 10 – 20 dGH

Feeding:

Rusty Cichlids are omnivores with a preference for algae and plant-based foods. Provide a balanced diet of spirulina flakes, algae wafers, vegetable-based cichlid pellets, and occasional live or frozen protein foods like brine shrimp or daphnia.

Add calm beauty and vibrant color to your aquarium with the Rusty Cichlid — a peaceful, eye-catching addition for any Lake Malawi cichlid setup.