trying to find consistant info on Kenyi

[magakitty]

Anyone know where I can find good information on Kenyi? Everything I have looked at conflicts. They are not mentioned in any of our fish books. thanks

[kay-bee]

Specifically what type of info are you seeking and what has been the conflicting info you've found?

Some basic info:

Kenyi (metriaclima lombardoi) are african cichlids which originate from Lake Malawi and are a type of mbuna. As most (but not all) mbuna, kenyi are either herbivores or omnivores which thrive on a predominently herbivore diet.

Prior to being re-catogorized, kenyi were sometimes referred to as 'pseudotropheus lombardoi'. Alternatively they're sometimes known as maylandia lombardoi.

As youngsters they start out as blue fish with dark stripes. Females retain this pattern while males transform into yellowish fish.

Generally, kenyi are one of the most aggressive mbuna species around.

[magakitty]

okay - it was the aggressive part that is most conflicting. some sites say that it is a peaceful fish, and others say that it is aggressive. Also, i only found one site that ID'ed the females and juveniles as possibly white with dark blue stripes. At what point do they "color up" where you can tell male from female. and are they normally hyperactive fish?

[kay-bee]

As a species they're far from peaceful (though you may find one which is not as aggressive as most and may be pacified by a more aggressive fish thus made to 'appear' peaceful). This species, and particularly the males, seem predisposed to being the dominant fish in the tank or very close contenders.

The blue on females and juvies is a light blue and might appear white (color intensity can vary with mood).

Male color transformation probably occurs at the 2"-2.5" range but can vary (and since males have low tolerance to other males, sub-dominant males may transform much later than the dominant male).

In general most mbuna species are active fish.