Rusty cichlid

The rusty cichlid is a small mbuna endemic to the rocky shores of Lake Malawi, prized as one of the most peaceable and beginner-friendly rock-dwelling cichlids. Its name comes from the warm rusty-brown to lavender-purple sheen that both sexes carry, males intensifying during display. Keep it as a harem of one male with several females, in a group of four or more, among plenty of rockwork and caves that break up territories and diffuse aggression. It suits a mixed mbuna community of similarly moderate temperament. Provide the hard, alkaline, oxygen-rich, very stable water typical of the Rift lakes, with strong filtration and good current. Though omnivorous it grazes aufwuchs in nature, so favour a spirulina-based, largely vegetable diet with cichlid flake or pellets; avoid excess protein, which causes bloat. A reliable maternal mouthbrooder that spawns readily.