Kenyi Cichlid tank mates
Maylandia lombardoi
5 rated pairings from the Kenyi Cichlid care guide. Compatibility here means water, temperament, tank zone and adult size all line up — the note on each card says why. Kenyi Cichlid needs at least 55 gallons on its own; every companion adds to that.
Good matches
2 · Compatible with normal care — watch space and numbers.
Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus sp.
20 gal min · 5" adult · Peaceful
Nocturnal algae eater that occupies different niche; less likely to trigger territorial aggression
Nerite Snail
Neritina natalensis
5 gal min · 1" adult · Peaceful
Algae-eating snail that occupies substrate; generally ignored by cichlids due to hard shell
Use caution
3 · Works in the right setup; read the note before combining.Demasoni Cichlid
Pseudotropheus demasoni
55 gal min · 3" adult · Aggressive
Similar aggression levels; only compatible in large colonies with ample rock work to establish separate territories
Electric Yellow Lab
Labidochromis caeruleus
30 gal min · 4" adult · Semi-aggressive
Both are Malawi mbunas with comparable aggression; requires 75+ gallons and extensive rockwork
Lemon Cichlid
Neolamprologus leleupi
30 gal min · 4" adult · Semi-aggressive
Aggressive mbuna that may compete for territory; suitable only in large, heavily decorated tanks
Also recommended alongside Kenyi Cichlid
Species whose own guides list Kenyi Cichlid as a tank mate.
Planning this tank?
Run the whole stock list through the calculator — it checks bioload and schooling numbers, not just pairings.