Rusty Cichlids

Rusty Cichlid (Iodotropheus sprengerae)

Bring warmth, colour, and character to your aquarium with the stunning Rusty Cichlid. Native to Lake Malawi, this peaceful and hardy Mbuna species is known for its beautiful rusty-orange to soft lavender tones that deepen and intensify with age. Unlike many Mbuna, Rusty Cichlids are more tolerant in temperament, making them an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced cichlid keepers.

Growing to around 10cm in adulthood, they thrive in rocky aquascapes with plenty of hiding spaces and stable, hard, alkaline water conditions. Active and engaging, they are natural foragers and adapt well to community tanks with other peaceful to semi-aggressive Malawi species.

Key Features:

• Peaceful Mbuna – ideal for mixed Malawi communities

• Striking rusty-orange to lavender colouration

• Grows to approx. 10cm

• Best kept in groups in a well-filtered, rocky aquarium

• Diet: Herbivorous – spirulina, algae wafers, and high-quality cichlid pellets

✨ Add a pop of colour and personality to your cichlid tank with this underrated Lake Malawi gem!