Kennyi Cichlid
Maylandia lombardoi
Maylandia lombardoi is distinguished by its bright yellow coloration in dominant males, with black or dark blue vertical bars. Females and juveniles are duller, often grayish-yellow. Males reach 12–15 cm, making it one of the largest Mbuna. It is extremely territorial and aggressive, even towards similarly sized species. In the wild, it inhabits rocky areas of Lake Malawi, feeding on algae and small invertebrates. In the aquarium, it requires a large volume and plenty of hiding places to limit conflicts. Reproduction is maternal mouthbrooding.
Recommended parameters
| Parameter | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24–28 |
| pH | 7.5–8.5 |
| GH | 10–20 |
| KH | 10–15 |
| NO₃ | ≤ 20 |
| PO₄ | ≤ 1 |
Care
Care notes
Temperature 24–28°C, pH 7.5–8.5, GH 10–20. A minimum 300-liter tank is recommended for a group of 3–5 individuals due to its size and aggression. Feed a herbivorous diet with spirulina-based pellets and blanched vegetables. Avoid high-protein foods. It is best kept in a species-only tank or with other robust, similarly sized Mbuna. Provide dense rockwork with retreat areas. Regular water changes (20% weekly) are essential. Strong filtration is required.