Species profile
Kenyi Cichlid
Maylandia lombardoi
Aggressive
Moderate care
240 L minimum aquarium
9–12.5 cm adult size
Mid bottom
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Very aggressive mbuna. Requires a long tank, dense rockwork and carefully planned sex ratios/tankmates.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–26 °C
pH
7.5–8.5
GH
10–20 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Mid bottom
Territory level
High
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
3
Dominant males are extremely territorial. A harem-style group and substantial rockwork/sight breaks are safer than a simple pair.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
Yes / caution
Plant safe
Caution
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
No / caution
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Herbivore
Minimum aquarium volume
240 L
Minimum footprint
120 × 45 cm
Accepted scientific name
Maylandia lombardoi
Alternative names
Kenyi Cichlid, Kenyi Mbuna, Metriaclima lombardoi, Maylandia lombardoi
Native range
Endemic to the Mbenji Island area of Lake Malawi.
Natural habitat
Sediment-rich rocky/sandy littoral habitat. Build stable rock territories with open sand patches and high oxygen/filtration.
Diet & feeding
Feeds heavily on algae/periphyton and plankton. Use a plant/fibre-rich mbuna staple with modest supplementary protein.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Juveniles/females are blue barred; mature dominant males turn yellow/gold with dark bars, though subordinate males can retain female-like colour longer.
Breeding
Maternal mouthbrooder. Males defend territories and court females; females carry eggs and fry in the buccal cavity.