Kennyi Cichlid

Metriaclima lombardoi is endemic to Mbenga Island and surrounding rocky habitats in the southeastern arm of Lake Malawi. It belongs to the Metriaclima (formerly Pseudotropheus) genus and is considered one of the most aggressive and boisterous mbuna available in the hobby.

The Kennyi Cichlid displays unusual reverse sexual dichromatism compared to most mbuna. Juvenile fish and females are striking cobalt-blue with bold dark vertical bars across the flanks. As males mature and become dominant, they undergo a complete color transformation: the blue is replaced by a rich golden-orange to bright yellow body color, while the dark barring becomes reduced or fades entirely. This color reversal is unique and makes the Kennyi one of the most visually interesting mbuna.

Adult males reach up to 15 cm and are powerfully built fish with notable aggression toward conspecifics, particularly other males and similarly-colored species. They will harass females relentlessly outside of spawning periods, necessitating multiple females per male to distribute the stress of his attention.

Despite the aggression, Kennyi Cichlids are beginner-accessible in the sense that their water chemistry requirements are straightforward and they are hardy, disease-resistant fish. The challenge lies in managing their aggression in a community mbuna setup, which requires experience in Malawi cichlid keeping.

Tank Setup A minimum 200-liter tank is recommended; larger is strongly preferred for this aggressive species. Build extensive rockwork with numerous caves. Use crushed coral or fine aragonite substrate. Provide enough visual barriers so subordinate fish have escape routes and can break line of sight with the dominant male. Multiple females (at least 3–4 per male) are mandatory to distribute aggression.

Water Parameters Temperature 23–28°C, pH 7.5–8.5, GH 10–25, KH 5–15. Standard Lake Malawi conditions. Perform 25–30% weekly water changes. Strong filtration with good turnover rates is recommended. Stable alkalinity is important; use crushed coral in the substrate or filter to buffer pH if needed.

Feeding Omnivorous mbuna; feed spirulina-based mbuna pellets or flakes as the primary diet. Supplement with blanched vegetables and occasional frozen Mysis or brine shrimp. Avoid excessively protein-rich diets. Feed twice daily. Multiple small feedings can help distribute aggression at feeding time.

Tankmates Restricted to robust, assertive mbuna of similar or larger size. Avoid timid species, small species, and species with similar blue-barred coloration to females (which the male may target as rivals). Compatible with large Pseudotropheus species, Cynotilapia afra, and similarly robust mbuna in very large tanks. Avoid Electric Yellow Labs, which will be relentlessly harassed.

Breeding Maternal mouthbrooder; females hold 10–20 eggs in the buccal cavity for 21–28 days. Move brooding females to a separate tank if possible. Fry are large and hardy, accepting crushed cichlid pellets and baby brine shrimp from the time of release.