Fin's Fish Guide
The Lavender mbuna (Iodotropheus sprengerae) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 11 cm.
Description
The lavender mbuna is a small cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species grows to about 11 cm and has a stocky body with a variable, rusty-brown to lavender-purple colour. As a rock-dwelling mbuna it grazes the algal mat (aufwuchs) from rocks with its mouth and picks small invertebrates from it. It is a mouthbrooder: the female carries the eggs and young in her mouth. The fish is popular in the aquarium hobby. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Lavender mbuna?
The Lavender mbuna has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly pink-purple and shows a plain pattern. Rusty brown to lavender purple; rock-dwelling mbuna and mouthbrooder
Where does the Lavender mbuna live?
The Lavender mbuna lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Lake Malawi (endemic)
How big does the Lavender mbuna get?
The Lavender mbuna grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.
Is the Lavender mbuna dangerous to humans?
No, the Lavender mbuna is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Lavender mbuna edible?
The Lavender mbuna is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Lavender mbuna?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Lavender mbuna is one of 12,519 species in the app.