Metriaclima lombardoi

Common name Kenyi Picture of Maylandia / Metriaclima lombardoi, juvenile
Juvenile/female colouration
Photo taken at Wharf Aquatics
© Sean Evans

Scientific name Metriaclima lombardoi

Synonyms Maylandia lombardoi, also formerly known as Pseudotropheus lombardoi (old genus name).

Size 4-5" (10-12.5cm)

Origin Lake Malawi, East Africa

Tank setup A larger tank with many rock caves

Compatibility Quite an aggressive species, combine with other larger or more aggressive mbuna species in a large tank

Temperature 23-28^oC (73-82^oF)

Water chemistry Hard and alkaline: pH 7.6-8.6 ; GH 7 plus ; KH 10-12

Feeding An omnivore which normally feeds on aufwuchs and plankton. Feed a varied diet which includes a vegetable component.

Sexing Juveniles and females are blue (see photo), while males turn yellow at around 2"/5cm.

Breeding Mouthbrooder, see general article linked below.

Comments Due to a technicality with scientific naming conventions, there is still some debate as to whether Maylandia or Metriaclima is the valid name for this genus. The name Maylandia existed prior to Metriaclima, which means it would normally take priority. However, several authors (including Ad Konings), believe that Maylandia was not properly defined in the original description, and is hence invalid.

See also the Malawi mbuna section for more detailed info on keeping and breeding the Malawi mbuna cichlids.

Malawi

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This website was last updated on 18th January 2008

Common name	Kenyi	Juvenile/female colouration Photo taken at Wharf Aquatics `© Sean Evans`
Scientific name	Metriaclima lombardoi
Synonyms	Maylandia lombardoi, also formerly known as Pseudotropheus lombardoi (old genus name).
Size	4-5" (10-12.5cm)
Origin	Lake Malawi, East Africa
Tank setup	A larger tank with many rock caves
Compatibility	Quite an aggressive species, combine with other larger or more aggressive mbuna species in a large tank
Temperature	23-28^oC (73-82^oF)
Water chemistry	Hard and alkaline: pH 7.6-8.6 ; GH 7 plus ; KH 10-12
Feeding	An omnivore which normally feeds on aufwuchs and plankton. Feed a varied diet which includes a vegetable component.
Sexing	Juveniles and females are blue (see photo), while males turn yellow at around 2"/5cm.
Breeding	Mouthbrooder, see general article linked below.
Comments	Due to a technicality with scientific naming conventions, there is still some debate as to whether Maylandia or Metriaclima is the valid name for this genus. The name Maylandia existed prior to Metriaclima, which means it would normally take priority. However, several authors (including Ad Konings), believe that Maylandia was not properly defined in the original description, and is hence invalid.