Lavender mbuna
📖 Overview
Lavender mbuna (Iodotropheus sprengerae) is a ray-finned fish of the family Cichlidae. It inhabits freshwater waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 10.8 cm. With a trophic level of 4, it is a mid-level predator. It is assessed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 16 - 18; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8 - 9; Anal soft rays: 6 - 8. Gill rakers on first ceratobranchial 7-9; gill rakers on first epibranchial 1-3.: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Lavender mbuna is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Female is mouthbrooder.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic. Tropical; 24°C - 26°C ; 13°S - 15°S Endemic to Lake Malawi.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Lavender mbuna is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Lavender mbuna is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Lavender mbuna has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Lavender Cichlid · Lavender Mbuna · Rusty Cichlid |
| 🇫🇮Finnish | ruostemalawinahven |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Ржавая цихлида |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iodochromis sprengerae | Oliver & Loiselle | 1972 | Synonym |
| Iodochromis sprengeri | Oliver & Loiselle | 1972 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Lavender mbuna.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 4 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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