Rusty Cichlid, also known as Lavender Cichild or Lavender Mbuna, is a fish species found in Lake Malawi. Its habitat is limited to certain areas of Lake Malawi.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists this fish as Near Threatened.
Rusty Cichlid was named in honor of Kappy Sprenger, an aquarist from California who helped identify it as a new species.
Rusty Cichlid Interesting Facts
- Rusty Cichlids, also called Lavender Cichlids, are native to Lake Malawi in Africa.
- They prefer tropical water temperatures of 75°F to 79°F (24°C to 26°C).
- Females are mouthbrooders, carrying fertilized eggs in their mouths for protection.
- These fish grow up to 4.3 inches (10.8 centimeters) long and have unique color patterns.
Rusty Cichlid Habitat
Rusty Cichlid is native to Lake Malawi in Africa, specifically around Boadzulu, Chinyankwazi, and Chinyamwezi Islands.
It lives in freshwater and swims near the bottom.
It prefers a tropical climate with water temperatures between 75°F to 79°F (24°C to 26°C). Its natural habitat lies between latitudes of 13°S to 15°S.
| Water Temperature: | 75°F to 79°F (24°C to 26°C) |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Rusty Cichlid Physical Characteristics
Size: 4.3 inches (10.8 centimeters)
Rusty Cichlid grows up to 4.3 inches (10.8 centimeters) long. It has 16 to 18 dorsal spines, 8 to 9 dorsal soft rays, and 6 to 8 anal soft rays.
The first ceratobranchial has 7 to 9 gill rakers, while the first epibranchial has 1 to 3 gill rakers.
Rusty Cichlids have an elongated shape. Young ones and females are rusty brown, while mature males are lavender purple in color.
Rusty Cichlid Reproduction
Rusty Cichlid has a unique breeding process.
The female fish is a mouthbrooder, meaning she carries fertilized eggs and baby fish in her mouth for a few weeks before releasing them.
Rusty Cichlid Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cichliformes |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Genus: | Iodotropheus |
| Scientific Name: | Iodotropheus sprengerae |
| Also Known As: | Rusty Cichlid, Lavender Cichild, Lavender Mbuna |
| Conservation Status: | Near Threatened |