Rusty Cichlid (Iodotropheus sprengerae) is a beginner-level freshwater fish that needs at least 40 gallons and 76-82°F. A rust-orange and lavender mbuna that is one of the calmer Lake Malawi rock-dwellers. It is still territorial, so give it rockwork and hard, alkaline water.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Iodotropheus sprengerae |
|---|---|
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Origin | Lake Malawi, Africa |
| Adult size | 4-5 in |
| Minimum tank | 40 gallons |
| Temperature | 76-82°F |
| pH | 7.8-8.6 |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive, milder than most mbuna |
| Social behavior | Group, one male with several females |
| Swim level | Bottom to mid, rocks |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Diet | Omnivore: spirulina-based cichlid pellets and flakes, occasional frozen foods |
| Typical lifespan | 6-8 years |
Quick tips
- Use plenty of rocks and caves.
- Keep one male with several females.
- Feed mostly vegetable-based foods.
San Diego water
Naturally suited to San Diego's hard, alkaline tap water once it is dechlorinated (the city uses chloramine, so use a conditioner that handles it). Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.
Before you buy
Make sure your tank is cycled (how to cycle a tank), check your numbers with the water testing guide, and use the compatibility guide to check tankmates. These are general ranges; individual fish and local water vary.
Find it at Pet Zone
Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.
4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm
Aquascaping, planted tanks
4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Monster fish, koi