Un peu plus d'informations...

Maylandia lombardoi is an African cichlid from the mbuna group, native to Lake Malawi. Very common in the aquarium trade, it is especially popular for its striking sexual dimorphism: adult males generally become pale blue to bluish-purple, while females are usually bright yellow. Despite its moderate size, this fish is territorial and needs a well-structured rocky environment. It is best suited to an aquarium designed for Malawi cichlids, with hard, alkaline and stable water conditions.

General species description

Maylandia lombardoi is a Lake Malawi mbuna adapted to life among rocks and frequent territorial encounters. The species is widely available in the aquarium trade, which explains its common name Kenyi, as well as the occasional “Males / Females” label used to distinguish its two sexes. Males defend small breeding territories and may be persistent toward other males or fish with similar colour patterns. This is a maternal mouthbrooder: after spawning, the female carries the eggs and fry in her mouth. A spacious aquarium filled with rocks and visual barriers helps distribute aggression. When kept in a group, several females should be provided for each male. Tankmates should be selected carefully, since colour similarity and limited shelter can increase conflict.

Geographical origin and biotope

Country of reference: Malawi. Maylandia lombardoi comes from Lake Malawi in East Africa, particularly the area around the Mbenji Islands. Its habitat consists of rocky shoreline zones where boulders create cracks, overhangs and small territories. The water is generally clear, mineral-rich and alkaline, with a relatively stable temperature. The bottom is made of rocks, gravel and sand collecting between the boulders. Aquatic vegetation is limited in rocky areas, although algae and biofilm growing on rock surfaces are important food resources. In an aquarium, this structure should be reproduced rather than relying on dense planting. Open passages and sheltered areas are important, especially for females and subordinate individuals.

Precise location and local name

The reference locality for Maylandia lombardoi is associated with the Mbenji Islands sector in the southern part of Lake Malawi. This area includes rocky shores where the fish graze algae-covered surfaces. The name “Kenyi” is used mainly in the aquarium trade and among aquarists; it is not a clearly established local vernacular name for the wild population. “Males / Females” simply describes the colour difference between the sexes and is not a scientific name. To maintain consistent captive populations, it is preferable to keep one geographic form and avoid mixing it with mbunas that have similar colour patterns.

Appearance and physical characteristics

Maylandia lombardoi has a sturdy, laterally compressed body and fins suited to rapid movement among rocks. Adult males usually display blue to bluish-purple coloration, often with darker vertical bars. Females generally have a golden-yellow body, sometimes with darker markings along the flanks. Juveniles and subordinate individuals may be less colourful, making visual identification less immediate. As in many mbunas, its pharyngeal teeth and mouth are adapted to scraping rocky surfaces. The dorsal fin is relatively long and may show a contrasting edge in males. Maximum size in aquaria depends on genetics, diet and available space. Good cover and stable water help the fish maintain stronger, more natural coloration.

General diet

Maylandia lombardoi is primarily herbivorous and grazes on aufwuchs, the thin layer of algae, microorganisms and organic matter growing on rocks. In the aquarium, its diet should be based on quality pellets or flakes containing a high proportion of plant ingredients, supplemented with spirulina-based foods. Small portions offered regularly are preferable to one large feeding. Very rich animal-protein foods, including diets intended for predators, should be avoided or used only rarely because they do not match its natural diet and may contribute to digestive problems. Blanched vegetables can be offered occasionally. Portion control remains important, since constant grazing behaviour does not mean the fish should be fed without limits.

Essential data

• River of origin: Lake Malawi; a lake-dwelling species.
• Local name used: Kenyi, mainly in the aquarium trade.
• Origin of the scientific name: The genus Maylandia honours Hans Mayland; the epithet lombardoi honours Ken Lombard.
• Etymology of the full name: Maylandia is a genus name dedicated to Hans Mayland; lombardoi is the Latinized form of Lombard.
• Common/vernacular names: Kenyi cichlid, Kenyi, Males / Females.
• Family: Cichlidae.
• Subfamily: Pseudocrenilabrinae.
• Name pronunciation: may-LAN-dee-ah - lom-BAR-doy-eye.
• Discovery: John S. Burgess, 1977.
• Maximum adult size: Approximately 12 to 15 cm.
• Water temperature and pH: 24 to 28 °C; pH 7.6 to 8.6.
• Waterway appearance and surrounding vegetation: Rocky lake shores with clear, alkaline water; limited aquatic vegetation in the rocky habitat.
• Typical tankmates: Maylandia callainos, Melanochromis auratus, Pseudotropheus socolofi, Cynotilapia afra.
• Temperament and behaviour: Territorial, active and generally aggressive toward rival males and similarly coloured fish.
• Water depth: Shallow rocky shoreline habitat.
• Sexual dimorphism: Males are generally blue to bluish-purple; females are generally bright yellow.
• Bottom structure and flow: Rocks, gravel and sand between boulders; variable water movement without a pronounced river current.

In your aquarium

Success with Maylandia lombardoi depends on hard, alkaline water, effective filtration and a layout containing many rocks that create shelters and visual barriers. Keep one male with several females and avoid overly peaceful tankmates or fish with nearly identical colouration. A mostly plant-based diet, regular water changes and careful stocking will help reduce conflict and digestive problems. This mbuna is a strong choice for a well-planned Malawi aquarium, but it requires adequate space and attentive management of the group hierarchy.