Iodotropheus

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Iodotropheus

Lavender mbuna, Iodotropheus sprengerae

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Perciformes
Family:	Cichlidae
Genus:	Iodotropheus Oliver and Loiselle, 1972

Species

See text.

Iodotropheus is a small genus of cichlid fish endemic to Lake Malawi in east Africa. It currently includes three species. The lavender mbuna, Iodotropheus sprengerae, also known as the rusty cichlid, is the most commonly encountered member of the genus in the aquarium trade.

[edit] Species

- Iodotropheus declivitas Stauffer, 1994.
- Lavender mbuna, Iodotropheus sprengerae Oliver & Loiselle, 1972.
- Iodotropheus stuartgranti Konings, 1990.

[edit] In the aquarium

Like all cichlids from Lake Malawi these cichlids are best maintained in hard, alkaline water. Iodotropheus are best kept in aquariums with volumes greater than 120 l (31.5 gallon).