Rusty Cichlid

Iodotropheus sprengerae is one of the smallest and most peaceable mbuna in the hobby. Its subdued brownish-purple colouration with an iridescent sheen is distinctive among the often vividly coloured mbuna. It is an excellent choice for Malawi community tanks that combine mbuna with peacocks and haplochromines, as its reduced aggression makes it compatible with a wider range of fish.

Water: 24-28°C, pH 7.5-8.5, hard alkaline water. Tank: 150L minimum; rock aquascape but less elaborate than for more aggressive mbuna. Feeding: Omnivore; algae-based foods with occasional invertebrate protein; spirulina. Behaviour: One of the mildest mbuna; suitable for mixed community tanks. Compatibility: Excellent in mixed Malawi tanks with peacocks and haps as well as other mbuna.