FishChecker

The Kenyi Cichlid, *Maylandia lombardoi*, is a visually striking and active freshwater fish native to the rocky shores of Lake Malawi in Africa. Renowned for its dramatic sexual dimorphism, males display a brilliant electric blue with dark vertical bars, often transitioning to a vibrant yellow as they mature, while females typically maintain a bright yellow coloration with less pronounced barring. Reaching an average size of 4-5 inches, these mbuna cichlids are known for their boisterous and territorial nature. They require a spacious aquarium, at least 55 gallons for a single male with multiple females or a larger tank for a community setup, to mitigate aggression. The tank should be adorned with ample rockwork and caves to provide territories and hiding places, mimicking their natural rocky habitat. Kenyi Cichlids thrive in hard, alkaline water with a pH of 7.8-8.6 and temperatures between 76-82°F (24-28°C). As omnivores with a significant herbivorous tendency, their diet should consist primarily of high-quality spirulina flakes, cichlid pellets, and occasional fresh vegetables like blanched spinach or spirulina-enriched brine shrimp. Due to their aggressive disposition, they are best kept with other robust and similarly sized Lake Malawi cichlids, carefully chosen to minimize inter-species conflict. They are not recommended for peaceful community tanks. With proper care and tank mates, the Kenyi Cichlid makes a stunning and dynamic addition to a specialized African cichlid aquarium.

Mbuna. Extremely aggressive, especially males. Females turn from blue to yellow as they mature.