Scientific name: Pseudotropheus lombardoi Common name: Kenyi cichlid Family: Cichlidae Usual size in fish tanks: 13 - 16 cm (5.12 - 6.3 inch) 0 14 Recommended pH range for the species: 7.5 - 8.9 Recommended water hardness (dGH): 12 - 25°N (214.29 - 446.43ppm) 0°C 32°F 30°C 86°F Recommended temperature: 23 - 27 °C (73.4 - 80.6°F) The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning Where the species comes from: Africa Temperament to its own species: aggressive/territorial Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive/territorial Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels Origin The Kenyi cichlid is endemic to Lake Malawi in the East African Rift Valley. Lifespan This cichlid will live up to 10 years if it is well cared for. Short Description This Kenyi cichlid will be an interesting addition to any aquarium. Young specimens are bright blue in colouration before they change into new colours once they reach adulthood. General Care Like many of the Malawi Cichlids, these fish can be very aggressive so should be given ample room in the aquarium to control this. The recommended minimum aquarium size is at least 45 Imp gallons (200 litres). To replicate their own habitat, create piles of rocks with swimming spaces between them and use a sandy substrate. Due to their high aggression only one male should be kept in the aquarium with several females. Adult males can grow up to 6 inches (15.24 cm) in length and they are classed as high waste producers so to keep the water quality high always perform large water changes on a regular basis. Food Kenyi cichlids are omnivorous but prefer algae over live foods. The diet should be supplemented with spirulina flake, blanched spinach or even chopped courgettes. Be careful when adding meaty foods as they may be a bit picky with these. Bloodworms can be offered along with daphnia, always avoid red meats as these contain lipids that the fish cannot digest. Sexing Sexing the juveniles of this species is nearly impossible but it becomes extremely obvious once they reach sexually maturity. In their youth, these cichlids are bright blue. As the females mature they fade to a lighter shade of blue with vertical striping. The males morph into a brilliant yellow. If you wish to breed these fish it is best to purchase a small group of juveniles and separate them as their colours develop. Breeding These cichlids are mouthbrooding cichlids which is highly typical for most mbuna cichlids. The female takes the eggs into her mouth upon fertilization and 3 weeks later she releases her young to fend for themselves. To prevent hybridisation it is always best to keep these in a species only tank for breeding, the male will either choose the substrate or a flat rock for a potential spawning site, he will then intice the female to enter and lay here eggs. Once the eggs have been fertilised the female will gather them up for the mouthbrooding. She will only release the fry when she know that they are safe, this may occur for short periods initially. Pictures Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk. One picture was provided by Tiffany.
