Kenyi Cichlid | Pseudotropheus lombardoi

The Kenyi Cichlid Maylandia lombardoi (formerly Pseudotropheus lombardoi) was described by Burgess in 1977. They are found in Lake Malawi and although originally endemic to Mbenji Island and and the Nkhomo reef, these fish have also been introduced to Namalenji Island.

This species is listed on the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable (VU). Although the Lake Malawi endemic has a very limited range, other than that there is no currently recognized threat. Other common names known to this fish are Lombardoi Cichlid, Kennyi Cichlid, Blue Kenyi Cichlid, Golden Zebra Cichlid, Kenyii, Metriaclima Lombardoi (now considered an invalid scientific name), Pseudotropheus lilancinius (incorrect scientific name but has been used in hobby) , and of course Mbuna.

The genus Pseudotropheus was previously used quite extensively for a wide variety of Mbuna species in Lake Malawi. Recent revisions have divided the genus Pseudotropheus into three sub-genera: Pseudotropheus Pseudotropheus , Pseudotropheus Tropheops, and Pseudotropheus Maylandia . These later became recognized as their own genera of Pseudotropheus , Tropheops, and Maylandia . There is some debate about the naming of this last genus, so some of these fish can be found described as Metriaclima or Maylandia. .

They enjoy depths of about 32 feet or more (10 m) in areas of sediment-rich substrate and can be found on muddy and sandy places between rocks. The male will protect the hole in the sand that he will use as a nest, but chicks, females and non-territorial males are usually found in small groups or alone.

Kenyi cichlids will feed on plankton in the water, although they mainly eat algae that they rub off rocks. These algae are known as aufwuchs, which refers to hard, fibrous algae that clings to rocks. “Loose” aufwuchs can contain insect larvae, nymphs, crustaceans, snails, mites, and zooplankton.

Scientific Name: Maylandia Lombardoi

Social Grouping: Varies – Adult males are found defending an area with nesting holes, while others, males, females and juveniles, will be found singly or in small groups.

IUCN Red List: VU – Vulnerable

The Kenyi cichlid has an elongated and muscular Mbuna cichlid body, although males appear to be slightly deeper than other Mbuna. In nature they will reach a length of about 5″ (12.7 cm), and sometimes larger in a home aquarium. These cichlids can live up to 10 years with proper care.

The color difference between males and females is the opposite found in most Mbuna species. The male kenyi is golden yellow with faint vertical stripes, and has egg spots on the anal fin along with a lighter colored belly area. The female is purple to blue with the same faint outline and a lighter belly area. Juveniles are similar to women, only smaller. All stages have faded vertical stripes that have some coloration where they meet the dorsal fin.

All cichlids share features common to some saltwater fish such as wrasses and parrotfish. Those are the well-developed pharyngeal teeth that are in the throat, along with their regular teeth. Cichlids have spiny rays on the back of the anal, dorsal, pectoral, and abdominal fins to help deter predators. The front of this fin is soft and perfect for precise positioning and easy movement in the water compared to fast swimming.

Cichlids have one nostril on each side while other fish have 2 sets. To sense the “smell” in the water, they suck the water in and out again after being “sampled” for a short or longer time, depending on how much the cichlid needs to “smell” the water. This feature is shared by the saltwater damselfish and cichlids are considered to be closely related.

Fish size – inches: 5.0 inches (12.70 cm) – Usually up to 5″ (12.7 cm) in length, but sometimes larger in home aquariums.

Age: 10 years – This cichlid can live up to 10 years with proper care.

Difficulty Keeping Fish

This is a good fish for intermediate and experienced cichlid keepers. This is an aggressive cichlid, and not a community tank specimen. It cannot be kept with fish other than cichlids. The aquarium must be willing to make frequent water changes and provide an appropriate tank mate. It is susceptible to Malawian bloat as well as a typical disease that affects all freshwater fish if the tank is not kept. In the right setting, it will adapt easily to ready-to-eat foods, breed easily, and puppies are also easy to raise.

• Aquarium Resistance: Strong enough
• Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

Food and Food

Kenyi Cichlids are omnivores that feed on algae in the wild, but also feed on plankton as well as aufwuchs, which contain small benthic organisms including crustaceans, invertebrates, and some zooplankton. In the aquarium they will receive frozen or live brine shrimp, mysis, high quality flakes, pellets, spirulina and other preparations for omnivorous cichlids. They also enjoy bloodworms, live-feeding guppies, and daphnia. Their diet can also be supplemented with plant foods such as spinach, zucchini, and peas.

It is always better to feed them in small quantities several times a day rather than one large meal. This keeps the water quality higher for a longer period of time. Of course, all fish benefit from adding vitamins and supplements to their diet.

• Food Type: Omnivore
• Flake Food: Yes
• Tablets / Pellets: Yes
• Live foods (fish, shrimp, worms): Multiple Diets
• Plant Foods: Half of the Diet
• Meat Foods: Multiple Diets
• Feeding Frequency: Daily – Offer them several small meals a day, what they can eat in about 3 minutes or less, rather than one large meal.

Aquarium Care

Malawi cichlids will deteriorate under poor water conditions. Malawi bloat is a typical disease especially if their dietary needs are not met with quality food. This is caused by too much protein material. Since this is a messy fish, do a 10% to 20% water change a week depending on the bio load. If overstocking is used as a form of aggression reduction, care should be taken to perform several partial water changes a week.

Water Changes: Weekly – Weekly 10-20% water changes are recommended, depending on the bio load. If the tank is overstocked than a few partial changes a week is recommended.

Social behavior

The Kenyi Cichlid is not considered a community fish. They are best kept in groups of one male and several females in a large tank. Males will attack and kill other males of the same species in the tank. They are best kept in species-specific tanks. They can also be kept in very large aquariums with other large Mbunas, be sure to provide plenty of hiding places. Do not keep these fish with peaceful cichlids.

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