Iodotropheus Sprengarae Boadzulu Island

The rusty cichlid, Iodotropheus sprengerae, is a freshwater fish of the cichlid family. It is also known as lavender mbuna or lavender cichlid. This mbuna species is endemic to Boadzulu and Chinyankwazi Islands regions of Lake Malawi.

Rusty cichlids are elongate fish that can grow up to about 11 cm. 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.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, Iodotropheus Sprengarae

Photograph © Copyright Carsten K. Larsen Used with Permission