Scientific Name(s): Metriaclima lombardoi

Common Name(s): Kenyi

Origin: Mbenji Island and Nkhomo Reef both from Lake Malawi.

Family: Cichlidae

Species Type: African Cichlid

Maximum Size: 6 inches

Life Span: 10+ years

Natural Habitat: Deep rocky waters of Lake Malawi in Africa.

Diet: This is an omnivorous species. Kenyi will eat strands of algae in the wild. A good pellet staple should be provided and should have lower protein content. Spirilina and veggies should be supplements to their diet. That being said they do need some animal matter in and protein in their diet.

Temperature: 78 - 82°F

PH: 7.8 - 8.6 with a hardness of around 200ppm Kh

Minimum Tank Size: 75g but in my experience a 100g or larger should be provided as they will get extremely aggressive upon maturity.

Tank Region: A bottom to middle rock dwelling species when given space and adequate territory you will see them all over the tank.

Temperament: Highly Aggressive

Possible Tank Mates: Other highly aggressive Lake Malawi Mbuna. Most medium to large Synodontis catfish are also good tank mates.

Filtration and Setup: The tank should have lots of rockwork for hiding spots and spawning sites. There should also be some open swimming areas. They will do well with grave substrate or a sandy bottom. Heavy filtration should be provided as this species is a messy eater and a rather high waste producer.

Coloration: This species is dimorphic meaning the male and females have different colors. As juveniles they will have blue/black vertical stripes and have a light blue color with brighter blue in the fins. Females will stay this blue color throughout life. The male will start to turn yellow. Subdominant males will be yellow with brownish bars where the Dominant male will be a bright yellow with virtually no or no bars.

Breeding: This species is a Maternal Mouth brooder. Breeding takes place on a flat surface, upon which eggs are laid. The males then fertilize them, and the females collect the eggs in their mouths. The Female will then carry the eggs in her mouth till they hatch. She will then continue to carry the fry in her mouth till they are old enough to be released. During this time the female will not eat….this process will last about two to three weeks. The male is a very aggressive breeder and a lot of times will try and force the female to breed with him. A rule of thumb is to keep one male with three to four females so that one female is not picked on. Breeding this species is rather easy and a dominant male will choose the best looking and usually the largest female.

Comments: This species is commonly found in most fish stores. I would not recommend this species to the beginner aquarist mainly because of temperament and the amount of care required. This is a highly aggressive species but very fun to watch. A lot of new fish keepers get these fish due to their striking colors but don’t be fooled and do your research.

Sub Dominant Male


Young Female