Need advice with Kenyi African Cichlids

[nifran]

I recently "inherited" a pair of small Kenyi African Cichlids.

I've read up a good deal on these fish, and I read that when they are small, or not sexually mature, they're the color of the female (a bluish purple) and the males turn a golden yellow when they mature.

About what size are they when they mature and turn color if they are male? Mine are currently about 1" each, one being a little bit smaller than the other.

 

[mike the zealot]

Maylandia lombardoi, aka the "Kenyi" cichlid is an Mbuna cichlid from Lake Malawi in Africa. The males are yellow and the females are blueish purple, which is backwards of most dimorphic mbuna. However, while holding fry, the females will change to male coloration.

They're considered one of the most aggressive mbuna species around, males can reach up to 6" in length, females 4". I would recommend getting at least 2 more females and keeping them in at least a 55 gallon, though more would be better. Chances are, if you keep just the two you have, especially in a smaller tank, the male will kill the female.

 

[nifran]

Thanks Mike,

They're currently in a 29 gallon tank, and both have the blue-ish purple coloring. Should I add more to these two?

They're currently approximately 1" long each - is this old enough to be able to tell if I have a male in the pair? If I don't have one, should I get one?

*Note, this tank is only temporary for these fish until I can get a larger tank going*

 

[SoulFish]

they will usually start turning color around 1.5-2", 1" is usually too small to sex, i would get a larger group that way youll have a better chance of getting the group you want 1m 3-4+ females, you can weed out the extra males and sell them off, plan on getting a 55gal or larger, give lots of rockwork

 

[Somonas]

the current correct scientific name for the kennyi is Metriaclima Lombardoi (reference Malawi Cichlids 3rd Edition by Ad Konings Page 123 right hand side, photo male #3 Female #6 Page 121) In the wild these fish are found at Mbenji Island.

 

[mike the zealot]

jeez somonas

I need to find me all the good fish books used at a garage sale some day.

 

[Somonas]

hehe
just visit your friendly neighborhood LFS and spend some money my friend!

Or buy it online for half the price *ducking*
http://www.cichlidpress.com

 

[nifran]

Thanks for the help!

These guys are quite fun already and are doing well.

They have lots of rocky caves 'n such, but seem to prefer digging thier own under random rocks instead of using the various caves that I set up for them.