Kenyi (African Cichlid)

Common name/s: Kenyi

Scientific name: Maylandia Lombardoi, Pseudotropheus lombardoi and Metriaclima lombardoi

Family: Cichlidae

Origin: Mbenji Island and Nkomo Reef, both of Lake Malawi, Africa

Maximum size: 6"

Care: This is an extremely aggressive species from the mbuna family, and their hostile nature must be taken into consideration before buying them. Unfortunately they are very widely distributed and sold to unsuspecting fish keepers all too often. The minimum recommended tank size for these fish is a four foot 75 gallon. The aquarium should be decorated with a number of hiding spots including caves of various sizes. Sand substrate is appreciated by these fish, but is not necessary. Lombardoi are best kept in water with a PH of 7.5 or higher, at a temperature between 75° and 80°. These cichlids should only be kept with mbuna of similarly high aggression levels, and overcrowding is very important to keep sub-dominant fish from getting overly harassed. Proper diet and clean conditions are very important for the long term health of this fish.

Feeding: This species is omnivorous. Spirulina flake should make up the majority of the diet, but a high quality cichlid pellet or flake is also recommended. Fresh vegetables and live or frozen invertebrates may be supplemented.

Sexing and breeding: All Lombardoi are born blue with dark striping. As they mature, males take on a very nice orange, while females retain the original blue coloring. Note that it is not unusual, under certain conditions, for these fish to take on the coloring of the opposite sex, usually as a method of avoiding aggression. As mouthbrooders, females will incubate and hatch the eggs in her buchal pouch, and then continue to hold the fry until the yolk sacs have been consumed. A typical holding period for this cichlid is under 4 weeks, and the female will not eat during this time. Females become extremely territorial when holding. Once spit, fry are left to fend for themselves. In order to raise fry the female should be separated into a holding tank, and removed once the fry have been spit. Fry can be fed powdered spirulina and cichlid foods as well as baby brine shrimp.

The Orange Fish: