How to Identify Kenyi Cichlid

To identify Kenyi Cichlid (Maylandia lombardoi), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Males are typically bright yellow to golden with distinct dark blue to black vertical bars, which can sometimes appear as blotches. Females and juveniles are light blue to lavender with faint dark vertical bars. Some females may retain a yellowish hue, but the intense golden color is characteristic of mature males. The dorsal fin often has a yellowish or orange margin.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Pronounced sexual dimorphism in coloration., Robust, somewhat elongated body typical of Mbuna cichlids., Terminal mouth with specialized teeth for scraping algae.

Dorsal fin

Long, continuous dorsal fin with spiny anterior rays and soft posterior rays. Males often have a more pointed dorsal fin.

Tail fin

Caudal fin is typically rounded to slightly emarginate.

Pectoral fin

Paired pectoral fins are relatively small.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin often features prominent egg spots in males, which are used during spawning to entice females.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Sexual Dimorphism

   Adult males are bright yellow with dark vertical bars, while adult females are light blue to lavender with fainter bars. This is the most reliable distinguishing feature.

2. 2

   Body Shape

   Typical Mbuna body shape – robust and somewhat compressed laterally.

3. 3

   Mouth

   Terminal mouth with specialized teeth for scraping algae from rocks.

4. 4

   Location

   If observed in the wild, its presence is restricted to specific rocky areas of Lake Malawi (Mbenji Island, Nkhomo Reef).

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