Kenyi Cichlid

Maylandia lombardoi

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Cichliformes›Cichlidae

📍 Mara Rocks, Lake Malawi, Africa

Unique Malawi mbuna with reversed sexual dimorphism — females are vivid blue while dominant males are yellow-orange. Very aggressive. Requires a large colony and many hiding spots to disperse aggression.

Size5"

Min Tank55g

aggressive

Zonemid

Care Guide

Diet

Kenyi cichlids are primarily herbivorous and require a diet rich in vegetable matter, including spirulina flakes, algae wafers, and blanched vegetables like zucchini and spinach. Supplement 2-3 times weekly with protein sources such as frozen brine shrimp or bloodworms. Feed juveniles once daily and adults once daily, adjusting portions to what they consume in 2-3 minutes.

Behavior

Kenyi cichlids are highly aggressive and territorial, especially dominant males, requiring significant space and abundant rock formations to establish separate territories and reduce conflict. They are active mid-water swimmers that constantly patrol their territory and display vibrant coloration during confrontations. Sexual dimorphism is reversed—females display brilliant blue coloration while dominant males turn yellow-orange, creating striking visual contrast in established colonies.

Breeding

Breeding Kenyi cichlids in captivity is moderately difficult and requires a large, heavily structured tank with multiple caves to reduce aggression toward gravid females. Females are maternal mouthbrooders, incubating eggs for 2-3 weeks before releasing fry. Success rates improve significantly in colony setups with 55+ gallons and numerous hiding spots to minimize male harassment.

Tank Mates

Demasoni Cichlid

Similar aggression levels; only compatible in large colonies with ample rock work to establish separate territories

caution

Electric Yellow Lab

Both are Malawi mbunas with comparable aggression; requires 75+ gallons and extensive rockwork

caution

Lemon Cichlid

Aggressive mbuna that may compete for territory; suitable only in large, heavily decorated tanks

caution

Bristlenose Pleco

Nocturnal algae eater that occupies different niche; less likely to trigger territorial aggression

good

Nerite Snail

Algae-eating snail that occupies substrate; generally ignored by cichlids due to hard shell

good

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, rubbing against rocks, lethargy

Treatment

Raise temperature to 28-29°C, perform 25% water changes daily, use ich medication (malachite green or formalin) following label directions for 7-10 days

Hole-in-the-Head Disease (Hexamita)

Symptoms

Erosion of head and lateral line, loss of appetite, white stringy feces, behavioral changes

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent 50% water changes, reduce feeding temporarily, use metronidazole-based medication; ensure adequate nutrition with quality foods

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, fin loss in severe cases

Treatment

Perform 25-50% water changes every 2-3 days, maintain optimal water parameters (pH 7.5-8.5), use antibacterial medication if secondary infection occurs

Bloat (Malawi Bloat)

Symptoms

Abdominal swelling, loss of appetite, lethargy, difficulty swimming, pale coloration

Treatment

Reduce feeding, perform large water changes, feed quality herbivore pellets, use metronidazole treatment; ensure proper diet with adequate vegetable content