The Kenyi Cichlid is a stunning but notoriously aggressive Mbuna from Lake Malawi. They exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism: females and juveniles are pale blue with dark vertical bars, while mature males undergo a complete transformation to a vibrant golden-yellow. Due to their extreme territoriality, they must be kept in large, overstocked, rock-heavy tanks to disperse aggression, typically in a harem (one male to multiple females).
Kenyi Cichlid At a Glance
Kenyi Cichlid Tank Requirements
Will Kenyi Cichlid fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Kenyi Cichlid needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Kenyi Cichlid against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Kenyi Cichlid Water Parameters
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Kenyi Cichlid Temperament & Compatibility
Kenyi Cichlid Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Female / Juvenile (Standard)
The standard form available in stores (as juveniles). They feature a pale blue body with thick, dark vertical banding. While females are extremely aggressive for female cichlids, they are slightly smaller and more manageable than males. Should be kept in a ratio of 3-4 females per 1 male.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Blue Kenyi, Standard, Unsexed
Male
Mature males drop their blue coloration entirely and morph into a brilliant golden-yellow. They are hyper-aggressive and highly intolerant of other males of their species, or any fish with similar yellow/barred coloration.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Yellow Kenyi, Gold Kenyi, Adult Male, Show Male
Kenyi Cichlid Care Guide Summary
The Kenyi Cichlid, scientifically known as Maylandia lombardoi, belongs to the Cichlids - African family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 13 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as highly aggressive, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Kenyi Cichlid requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 208 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 7.8–8.6 and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Kenyi Cichlid is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Female / Juvenile (Standard) and Male. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Kenyi Cichlid Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Kenyi Cichlid, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour and an established tank with natural algae growth, as they depend on it as a primary food source. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured and live planted layouts may be difficult to maintain, as this species tends to uproot or consume vegetation.
Kenyi Cichlid Compatibility Notes
Classified as highly aggressive, the Kenyi Cichlid is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks, territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited, and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Kenyi Cichlid Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Kenyi Cichlid.
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
180 Gallon Standard
350 Liter (120cm Deep)
Show 1 more tank size
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kenyi Cichlid
How big does Kenyi Cichlid get?
Kenyi Cichlid (Maylandia lombardoi) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 13 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Kenyi Cichlid need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 208 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Kenyi Cichlid. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Kenyi Cichlid need?
Kenyi Cichlid thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 7.8 and 8.6, and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Kenyi Cichlid peaceful or aggressive?
Kenyi Cichlid is classified as highly aggressive with an aggression score of 9 out of 10. Careful tankmate selection is essential to avoid conflict.
Can Kenyi Cichlid live alone?
Yes, Kenyi Cichlid can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Kenyi Cichlid have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Kenyi Cichlid benefits from sand (sifters) and established algae (otocinclus) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Kenyi Cichlid
These plants pair well with Kenyi Cichlid based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Gillet's Anubias
Anubias gilletii
Java Fern
Leptochilus pteropus
Pothos
Epipremnum aureum
Fish Similar to Kenyi Cichlid
Saulosi Cichlid
Chindongo saulosi
A critically endangered 'dwarf' Mbuna cichlid from Lake Malawi, famous for its extreme sexual dimorphism. Females and juveniles are a vibrant, solid yellow, while dominant males transform into a striking light blue with thick black vertical bars. Like all Mbuna, they are rock-dwelling aufwuchs grazers that require a strict harem structure (1 male to 3+ females) to manage their aggressive and territorial nature.
Elongatus Cichlid (Pseudotropheus Elongatus)
Chindongo elongatus
The Elongatus Cichlid is a highly active, slender mbuna endemic to Lake Malawi. Formerly classified as Pseudotropheus elongatus, it is notorious for being one of the most aggressive and territorial of all mbuna. They require a strictly herbivorous diet (grazing on algae/aufwuchs) and a large aquarium heavily decorated with rocks to break sightlines. Due to extreme conspecific aggression, they are best kept in harems (1 male to 4+ females) or in a carefully planned, overstocked mixed-species mbuna tank.
Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna)
Melanochromis auratus
The Auratus Cichlid is a stunning but notoriously aggressive Mbuna from Lake Malawi. They exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism. They are strictly rock-dwellers that graze on algae (aufwuchs). Due to their hyper-aggressive nature, they must be kept in species-only or carefully managed, overstocked Mbuna setups with a strict harem ratio (1 male to several females) to disperse aggression.
Electric Blue Johannii
Pseudotropheus johannii
An iconic Mbuna cichlid from Lake Malawi renowned for extreme sexual dimorphism. Males transform into a striking electric blue with dark navy horizontal stripes, while females and juveniles remain a vibrant yellow-orange. Like most Mbuna, they are highly aggressive, territorial, and require hard, alkaline water with extensive rockwork to form caves. They are avid diggers and will destroy most live plants.
Chipokae Mbuna
Melanochromis chipokae
A highly aggressive, torpedo-shaped Mbuna cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi. Known for intense sexual dimorphism, this species is extremely territorial. They require a rock-heavy setup to provide caves and break sightlines, along with hard, alkaline water. They graze on algae (Aufwuchs) and require a low-protein diet to prevent Malawi bloat.
Bumblebee Cichlid
Pseudotropheus crabro
A robust and highly aggressive Mbuna from Lake Malawi. They are famous for their rapid color changes; while females and juveniles boast striking yellow and black 'bumblebee' bars, dominant males turn almost completely pitch black. In the wild, they are opportunistic feeders that clean parasites from large catfish and steal their eggs.