Scientific name Iodotropheus Higher classification Cichlid Order Perciformes | Tribe Haplochromini Phylum Chordata Rank Genus | |
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Lower classifications Iodotropheus sprengerae, Iodotropheus stuartgranti, Iodotropheus declivitas | ||
Iodotropheus sprengerae fighting
Iodotropheus is a small genus of cichlids endemic to Lake Malawi in east Africa. The genus is distinguished from other genera of mbuna by the upper lip which is usually connected medially to the skin of the snout by a frenum; by its small, terminal mouth; by the outer teeth of both jaws, which are unequally bicuspid and loosely spaced, the tooth shafts inclined slightly toward the jaw symphysis; by the anterior teeth of the upper jaw being much longer and more robust than the lateral and posterior teeth. The rusty cichlid or lavender mbuna, Iodotropheus sprengerae is the most commonly encountered member of the genus in the aquarium trade.
Contents
- Iodotropheus sprengerae fighting
- Iodotropheus sprengerae makokola red select
- Species
- In the aquarium
- References
Iodotropheus sprengerae makokola red select
Species
There are currently three recognized species in this genus:
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).
