💛 Kenyi Cichlid Care Guide (Maylandia lombardoi)
🌟 Overview The Kenyi Cichlid (Maylandia lombardoi) is a bold and colorful African cichlid from Lake Malawi. Males develop bright yellow-gold coloration, while females and juveniles are light blue with dark vertical bars — making this species especially eye-catching in aquariums. Kenyi Cichlids are hardy, territorial, and aggressive, making them best suited for African cichlid enthusiasts with properly sized aquariums.
🔑 Quick Facts
- Scientific Name: Maylandia lombardoi
- Common Name: Kenyi Cichlid, Lombardoi Cichlid
- Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa
- Size: 5–6 inches (12–15 cm)
- Lifespan: 8–10 years
- Temperament: Aggressive, territorial
- Care Level: Moderate
🏠 Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons (larger recommended for multiple cichlids)
- Water Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
- pH: 7.8–8.6 (alkaline, like Lake Malawi)
- Hardness: 10–20 dGH
- Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
- Aquascape: Provide plenty of rocks and caves to establish territories; avoid delicate plants as they may be uprooted
- Filtration: Strong, as cichlids produce heavy bioload
🍽️ Diet
Kenyi Cichlids are omnivores with herbivorous leanings:
- High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes (spirulina-based recommended)
- Vegetables: blanched spinach, zucchini, peas
- Occasional protein: brine shrimp, bloodworms (avoid excessive protein to prevent Malawi bloat)
🧑🤝🧑 Tank Mates
- Best with other Mbuna cichlids from Lake Malawi
- Avoid mixing with timid or slow-moving fish
- Should not be housed with community fish, shrimp, or snails — they will harass or eat them
- Works best in species-only tanks or carefully selected aggressive Mbuna setups
🧠 Behavior & Tips
- Extremely territorial — provide many hiding spots to reduce aggression
- Males turn bright yellow, females remain blue with bars (sexual dimorphism is very noticeable)
- Best kept in ratios of 1 male to 3+ females to disperse aggression
- Will dig and rearrange substrate — secure decorations
❓ FAQ
Q: How big do Kenyi Cichlids get?
A: Adults reach 5–6 inches, requiring larger tanks as they mature.
Q: Are Kenyi Cichlids aggressive?
A: Yes, they are highly aggressive and territorial, best for experienced cichlid keepers.
Q: Can I keep Kenyi Cichlids in a community tank?
A: No, they should only be kept with other aggressive Mbuna in properly sized aquariums.
Q: How long do Kenyi Cichlids live?
A: With proper care, they live 8–10 years.
