{"product_id":"rusty-mbuna-cichlid-1-5-to-2-unsexed-iodotropheus-sprengerae","title":"2 RUSTY MBUNA CICHLID 1.5 TO 2\" UNSEXED (Iodotropheus sprengerae)","description":"\u003ch1\u003eIodotropheus sprengerae (Rust Cichlid)\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBring subtle elegance and peaceful charm to your African cichlid aquarium with the \u003cstrong\u003eIodotropheus sprengerae\u003c\/strong\u003e, commonly known as the \u003cstrong\u003eRust Cichlid\u003c\/strong\u003e. Native to the rocky shores of Lake Malawi, this attractive species is prized for its unique rusty-orange coloration, calm temperament, and ease of care, making it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced cichlid enthusiasts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike many Malawi cichlids, the Rust Cichlid is one of the more peaceful mbuna species, allowing it to coexist successfully with other moderately tempered African cichlids in a properly planned community aquarium. Males develop richer orange to copper hues with subtle lavender highlights, while females display similar coloration, making both sexes equally attractive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a well-aquascaped aquarium with plenty of rocks, caves, and hiding places to replicate their natural habitat. They appreciate clean, well-oxygenated water and a varied diet consisting of high-quality vegetable-based cichlid foods, spirulina, and occasional protein-rich treats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you're creating a colorful Lake Malawi display or adding diversity to an established mbuna community, the Rust Cichlid offers beautiful coloration, engaging behavior, and reliable hardiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuick Facts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eIodotropheus sprengerae\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rust Cichlid\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lake Malawi, Africa\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 5 inches (12–13 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivore (primarily herbivorous)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Aquarium Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 55 gallons\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Temperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 76–82°F (24–28°C)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7.8–8.6\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBreeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maternal Mouthbrooder\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Beginner to Intermediate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Bioacuatica, every Rust Cichlid is carefully selected and professionally packed to ensure it arrives healthy and ready to become a stunning addition to your aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe ship Mondays to Wednesdays\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLive Arrival guarantee\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eIn the very rare event of DOA, please, send Pictures of the whole unopened bag  within two hours of first delivery attempt.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"V-W Tropical Fish Hatcheries INC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46180153065551,"sku":null,"price":16.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0099\/1277\/8831\/files\/RustyAfrican.png?v=1784911264","url":"https:\/\/www.bioacuatica.com\/products\/rusty-mbuna-cichlid-1-5-to-2-unsexed-iodotropheus-sprengerae","provider":"BioAcuatica","version":"1.0","type":"link"}