Rusty Cichlid Iodotropheus sprengerae

The Rusty Cichlid, also called Lavender Mbuna/Cichlid, is native to water around rocky shores of island areas of the southeastern arm of Africa's Lake Malawi. They grow to some 10-13cm long. The females and juveniles are a rusty colour with darker bars but the breeding male develops a lavender or purple finish. They are near-threatened due to limited distribution and possibly also sedimentation of their area and capture for the aquarium trade.