Metriaclima lombardoi 'Kenyi' Female

Metriaclima lombardoi 'Kenyi' Female is notable for a remarkable sex-reversal of typical mbuna colouration: females display vivid blue bodies with black vertical barring while males are bright yellow-orange. This makes the Kenyi one of the most visually interesting mbuna, with both sexes intensely coloured.

Collected from Mbenji and Nkhomo Islands in Lake Malawi, Kenyi cichlids are among the more aggressive mbuna. Males become especially belligerent as they mature, capable of killing rivals and relentlessly harassing females out of breeding condition. A ratio of at least one male to four females is strongly advised, with multiple females helping to distribute aggression. Females mouthbrood for 21–28 days. Regular water changes and hard, alkaline water keep this hardy species in peak condition. Not recommended as a first mbuna due to their intense aggression.

Water: 24–28°C, pH 7.8–8.5, hard (GH 10–25, KH 6–15); maintain with strong filtration and weekly water changes. Tank: Minimum 200 L; heavy rockwork essential to break territory lines; 300 L+ preferred for mixed mbuna. Feeding: Spirulina-based flake and pellets; supplement with algae wafers; strictly limit high-protein foods. Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder; female broods 21–28 days; isolate brooding female to a quiet holding tank. Compatibility: Keep with robust mbuna only; highly aggressive toward conspecifics and similarly coloured species.