Need info on rusty cichlid

[BoBzz]

I have seen it a few times at LFS's but never with a scientific name does anyone know what it is? How big do they get? Whats theyre temperment? Anyone have a pics of it at different ages?
Thanks

[Scotty]

Hey Bud, The scientific name you are looking for is Iodotropheus sprengerae. Rustys are mellow for Mbunas. Don't put them in with Zebras, Melanochromis, Kenyis etc... They do well with Yellow labs and such. Other than that it's standard Mbuna conditions and feeding. Hope this helps.....Scott 8)

[BoBzz]

Thanks Scotty that does help :D Would they be ok with Aulocrana and a few Lab. chisumulae? :confused:

[Scotty]

That sounds like a real nice mix :wink: The tank should be mellow enough to throw in a few Rainbows or other schoolers if you have the room. Good luck with it 8)

[Mbuniac]

My male L. chisumulae would be the most aggressive fish in my tank. Fortunately he is a bit smaller than my Yellow Lab. The Rusties are pretty mellow, but they will defend themselves when necessary. Some would disagree with me, but I thing they are a great looking fish. Especially when they start to mature and the purple coloring on the sides starts to show. JMO.

[Scotty]

Mbuniac- I think rusties look great also :D They are unfortunately, one of those fish that get passed over a lot at the LFS. A tankful of stressed, crowded juveniles look all pale brown and boring.

[Overawed]

http://home.attbi.com/~aquaart/18.htm

Thats my Rusty. He is way nicer looking now, he has blue bars all the time. He is mellow, but does not let himself get bossed around. He is about 4 1/2 inches.

[Mbuniac]

Looks a bit like a Gephyrochromis acei in that picture (which ain't such a bad fish either). Either way I like both of them and they're on my short list when I get my new tank set up. I finally got my stand done! Didn't think I was ever gonna get done sanding and applying 4 coats of polyurethane. Now all I gotta do is wait for Santa to bring the tank.
Come On Christmas! Sam

[SGypsyMermaid]

nice shot, OA. :wink:

[Overawed]

Thanks SGM!! :D

Nope Mubuniac: Thats a Rusty above. Here is a shot of my Acei when he was just a little tyke and still called a Pseudotropheus :wink: http://home.attbi.com/~aquaart/07.htm

[StructureGuy]

Hi Overawed

Here is my rusty:
http://home.columbus.rr.com/baumancichlids/Sprengerae.htm

Compare the shape of the head of mine and yours. They are definately quite different.

Kevin

[Overawed]

wouldn't surprise me if they are different lines. But my shot is of a juvenile Rusty, he looks much like yours does today.

[Mbuniac]

Overawed,
Sorry about that post. The worst thing about written messages, is that they don't always clearly convey your meaning. I didn't mean for it to sound like I thought it was G. acei, I just meant it looked a bit like one in that picture. I told my son the same thing when his Rusty started getting the purpleish/blue on it's sides. It sort of makes the fin colors stand out a bit more like the G. acei. I'll try to be a bit more concise in future attempts. Even so, Rusty's are neat fish!
Sam

[Overawed]

Thanks Mubuniac, no problem, I was just thinking that was what you meant.

OT:
Say? Since your from Idaho, do you like the band Built To Spill?

[Mbuniac]

I'll have to check with my son on that. I am back and forth between Idaho and california until my wife can retire too. Of course even if I was in Idaho full time, I might not know about them cause I'm old! What kind of music do they play?
Sam

[SGypsyMermaid]

I might not know about them cause I'm old!

:lol: you're in good company, sam--the old gray sea-mare ain't what she used to be!
(don't ask me how i did that(scratching head).

[Mbuniac]

I haven't figured out how to do it correctly or incorrectly! :(