Species profile
Rusty Cichlid
Iodotropheus sprengerae
Semi aggressive
Easy care
200 L minimum aquarium
10–13.5 cm adult size
Mid bottom
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Relatively mild by mbuna standards, not genuinely peaceful. Keep in hard alkaline water with extensive rock cover.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–26 °C
pH
7.5–8.5
GH
10–20 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Mid bottom
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
2.4
Milder than many mbuna but still territorial, particularly when breeding. Rockwork should create multiple retreat routes and visual barriers.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Caution
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
No / caution
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
200 L
Minimum footprint
100 × 40 cm
Accepted scientific name
Iodotropheus sprengerae
Alternative names
Rusty Cichlid, Rusty Mbuna, Iodotropheus sprengerae
Native range
Lake Malawi endemic.
Natural habitat
Rocky shallow-water habitat. Use stable rock piles/caves, open grazing surfaces, strong filtration and high oxygen.
Diet & feeding
Omnivorous/periphyton-grazing mbuna. Feed a balanced cichlid diet with substantial vegetable/algal content and restrained animal protein.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males tend to become more intensely purple/rust coloured and may show stronger egg spots, but visual sexing is not completely reliable.
Breeding
Maternal mouthbrooder; females incubate eggs/fry orally after spawning within the male's territory.