Kenyi cichlid

Maylandia lombardoi, the Kenyi cichlid, is a strongly territorial mbuna from the rocky reefs around Mbenji Island in Lake Malawi. It shows reversed sexual dichromatism: dominant males turn bright yellow-orange while females and juveniles are blue with dark bars. Males are notably aggressive and will harass tankmates and rival males, so a large tank of at least 300 litres with dense rockwork and multiple sightline breaks is essential. Keep one male to a group of four or more females to spread aggression, and choose equally robust Malawi mbuna as companions. Provide hard, alkaline water (pH 7.7-8.6) around 24-27C with strong filtration. Feed a vegetable-rich diet of spirulina and algae-based foods to prevent Malawi bloat. A maternal mouthbrooder; broods can be numerous.