Kenyi Cichlid
Scientific Name: Metriaclima lombardoi
Maximum Size: 6 inches
Temperature Range: 78 - 82 °F
pH Range: 7.8 - 8.6
Water Hardness: Very Hard
Temperament: Very Aggressive
Origin: Lake Malawi
Aquarium setup:
Kenyi Cichlids prefer a rocky environment with plenty of caves and places to hide. The best substrate material is sand, but small gravel may also be used. Minimum tanks size - 50 gallons.
Tank Mates/Community:
- Similarly aggressive Lake Malawi African Cichlids
- African Catfish (Synodontis)
Diet:
Kenyi Cichlids are herbivores so choose food that is made from vegetable matter or algae.
Behavior:
Kenyi Cichlids are very aggressive. The juveniles have a very attractive blue coloring which makes them one of the most popular and commonly available of the mbuna. However, these beautiful little fish will become more and more aggressive as they grow. They will typically take over a tank and kill or terrorize any other fish or creatures you have. However, if care is taken on choosing the right mates the Kenyi can be raised well with minimal aggression.
Coloring:
Juvenile Kenyi Cichlids have a bright blue coloring with bars. As they grow into adulthood the males will 
change into a bright golden yellow with the bars fading out, females will remain blue in color.
It should be noted that in a community, the dominant male will usually be the only one who changes to the golden yellow color, other males may retain the coloring of their youth (female coloring pattern) to avoid being harassed by the dominant male.
Breeding:
Kenyi Cichlids are one of the easiest Cichlids to breed. If you want to breed these cichlids it is recommended that you have four to six females and one male. The females should have adequate hiding places to use when they get tired of the male’s attention. The Kenyi is a mouth brooder. The female will carry the eggs in her mouth for about three to four weeks when the fry are ready to released.
