Lavender mbuna

Description

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. Rusty cichlids are elongate fish that can grow up to 10.8 centimetres (4.3 in) SL.Juveniles and females are rusty brown color,while mature males have lavender purple hue. Rusty cichlids are mouthbrooders.Females hold their fertilized eggs and fry,in their mouth for a few weeks before releasing the fry.