Rusty cichlid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rusty cichlid |
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Iodochromis sprengerae (Oliver & Loiselle, 1972) |
The rusty cichlid is a cool fish from Lake Malawi in Africa. Its scientific name is Iodotropheus sprengerae. People also call it the lavender mbuna or lavender cichlid. This fish only lives in certain parts of Lake Malawi. It likes water that is warm, usually between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius.
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About the Rusty Cichlid
What Does It Look Like?
Rusty cichlids have a long body shape. They can grow to be about 10.8 centimeters (about 4 inches) long. Young fish and females are a rusty brown color. But when males grow up, they turn a beautiful lavender purple!
Where Does It Live?
This fish is found only in Lake Malawi. It lives around islands and reefs in the southeastern part of the lake. Because it lives in such a small area, its population is carefully watched. The IUCN group lists it as "Near Threatened." This means its numbers are okay for now, but they could be at risk in the future.
How Does It Reproduce?
Rusty cichlids are special because they are mouthbrooders. This means the mother fish holds her eggs and baby fish (called fry) in her mouth. She keeps them safe there for a few weeks. After they hatch and grow a bit, she lets them out.
Who Is Kappy Sprenger?
This fish was named after a person named Kappy Sprenger. She was an aquarist, writer, and artist. She worked hard to make sure this fish was correctly identified. Because of her efforts, scientists realized it was a new species!
Keeping Them as Pets
Rusty cichlids are popular fish for home aquariums. They are known for being less aggressive than many other mbuna cichlids. This makes them a good choice for people who are new to keeping mbuna fish.
Setting Up Their Home
It's important to give rusty cichlids places to hide. They need rocks or decorations where they can feel safe. This helps them avoid being bullied by other fish in the tank. They also need enough space to swim around.
What Do They Eat?
Rusty cichlids are omnivores. This means they eat both plants and meat. They can eat many different kinds of fish food. However, giving them too much meaty food can sometimes cause them to have tummy problems. It's best to give them a balanced diet.
See also
- Mbuna
- List of freshwater aquarium fish species
