Kenyi Cichlid

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Lake Malawi (Mbenji Islands and Nkhomo reef). Inhabits transition zones (rocks/sand) but strenuously anchors to the expanses of sediments and rocks to graze (Mbuna Habitat).

Taxonomy and Morphology: Kenyi Cichlid (Metriaclima lombardoi / ex Maylandia lombardoi). Robust, stocky and lethal. Possesses the typical flattened cranial morphology of the rocky algae-tearers. Evident bicuspid incisor teeth.

Social Behavior: The "Terrorist" of Malawi. Considered one of the most hyper-aggressive Cichlids in the world per square inch. An adult male will ruthlessly dominate tanks even 150 cm (60 inches) long, driving the entire population into the corners.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Fascinating chromatic inversion. Juveniles and FEMALES are a vibrant Ice Blue with powerful dark blue/black vertical stripes. Adult MALES undergo a drastic mutation, becoming entirely Mustard Yellow/Gold with faded brown bands.

Aquarium Setup: Not suitable for tanks < 150 cm (60 inches) despite the medium size. Furnishing of titanic stones crammed up to the surface. Force overstocking (add many robust target fish) to break the visual range and calm the wrath of the dominant male.

Diet and Feeding: Stubborn herbivore. Pure Aufwuchs-feeder. It will infallibly get sick and die if the diet contains too much protein. Feed 90% with top-of-the-range vegetable flakes (Spirulina, Chlorella) or zucchini.

Water Quality: Endemic conditions of the Great Lakes of the Rift Valley. Ph 8.0-8.6 and very high KH/GH (use calcareous rocks to buffer the Ph). Gigantic mechanical filtration required by the feces of this herbivorous species.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Very few fish resist an adult M. lombardoi. Pair only in huge tanks with equally psychotic Mbuna (Pseudotropheus crabro, Melanochromis auratus). Will exterminate any South American Cichlid or peaceful species (including Malawi Haps).

Aquarium Reproduction: Very efficient Mouthbrooder. The male digs a huge pit under a stone, attracts the blue female and spawns. The mother evicts up to 40 fry from her mouth after 3-4 weeks. Warning: the exhausted female must be isolated or the male will kill her.

Risks and Diseases: The Novice's mistake. The blue fry (often 3 cm / 1.2 inches) are beautiful and very common in general stores. The unwary buyer inserts them into a mixed tank; in 6 months they will transform into yellow Serial Killers that will massacre the community aquarium.