Water Chemistry: Maingano cichlids prefer a temperature that ranges from 76-82F, a KH that ranges from 10-15, and a pH that ranges from 7.8-8.6. Because of their low aggression, they … Keep in mind that even non-aggressive Cichlids can lash out at other tank mates if they are not provided a proper aquarium environment. We would suggest that you contemplate a fish tank of at least 55-gallons, if not more. The Rusty Cichlid has a rounder head and the basic shape of a Pseudotropheus cichlid. Josh Davis President of … Remarks: Rusty cichlids (Iodotropheus sprengerae) are one of the smaller and less aggressive species of Mbuna. Sexing [edit | edit source] These fish are tricky to sex as, even when mature, the adults have identical colour patterns. For the Malawi cichlid geeks it’s the subtle specialisation of the 1,000 species when times are tough and food lean, which is so fascinating. The least aggressive species include the Electric Yellows and Rusty Cichlids. This species of Cichlid is omnivorous by nature and will accept almost any kind of food it is offered. Iodotropheus sprengerae, the rusty cichlid, lavender mbuna or lavender cichlid, is a species of cichlid endemic to the Boadzulu and Chinyankwazi Islands and Chinyamwezi Island regions of Lake Malawi.It prefers a temperature range of 24-26 °C. Proper diet and clean conditions are very important for the long term health of this fish. It is recommended to avoid too much meaty food in this fish's diet, as digestive problems can result. Males usually have intense rust-coloration around their head and violet-blue on the flanks. Feed Rusty Cichlids a variety of vegetable-based foods like Spirulina flakes and blanched vegetables, supplementing the diet with live and frozen foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp. Scientific Name: Iodotropheus sprengerae Common Names: Lavender Mbuna, Lavendar Cichlid Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa Size: 4”-5” Breeding: Mouth brooders Diet: Omnivores (mainly vegetation recommended) Temperament: Aggressive The wrong diet will negatively impact your African cichlid. Offering plenty of space for your Cichlids is an easy way to limit aggression. Like zebra and wildebeest on the savannah, which coexist by each eating different lengths of grasses, the mbuna do so by eating different lengths of aufwuchs, and grazing it in different ways. Origin [edit | edit source] Endemic to Lake Malawi. Malawian and Victorian cichlids are similar in care and temperament, leading to fish from these two lakes being grouped together in the hobby. Their purple-orange bodies and bright orange fins stand out among a sea of mbuna more often colored blue, yellow, or red. Rusty’s are best kept in water with a PH of 7.5 or higher, at a temperature between 75° and 80°. Space is important. While this is the bread and butter of our business we have expanded to the breeding of all types of Cichlids including Victorian and Tanganyikan Cichlids. Indeed, the peacock cichlid has a feature to appeal to every aquarist. The Tanganyikan Tropheus, for example, is exclusively herbivorous, and it will get severely bloated to the point of death if given live or frozen meals. These cichlids can be housed with mbuna of a milder temperment, and should not be housed with anything overly aggressive. By adding plenty of rockwork, this gives the rusty cichlid security and cover, with regular water changes best advised to maintain their health. We have experienced aquarium fish breeders with the main focus on African Cichlids, particularly Lake Malawi Cichlids. There are tons of varieties to choose from, they boast beautiful colors, and they are more peaceful than many other cichlid species. Additional names Rusty Cichlid, Lavender Mbuna. Aquarium Diet: Maingano cichlids are mainly herbivores and should be fed foods high in protein only once in a while. Peacock cichlids have long been favored in the aquarium industry, and it’s easy to understand why.