Disclaimer:

The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

---

Common name: kenyi cichlid

Synonyms and Other Names: Metriaclima lombardoi (Burgess, 1997), Pseudotropheus lombardoi (Burgess, 1977), golden zebra

Identification: Maylandia lombardoi is a freshwater fish from the family Cichlidae. It is unusual among those of its subfamily (Pseudocrenilabrinae) in that the body color of its sexes is reversed (Ribbink et al. 1983).

Males: The head is golden yellow with a bright golden-yellow body and black vertical barring (which may disappear during mating), dorsal (back) fin is bluish-yellow, caudal (tail) fin is yellow with pale blue vertical streaking, pelvic (chest) and anal fins are yellow with one bright yellow “egg-dummy” spot on the anal fin (Ribbink et al. 1983).
Females: The entire body is light to pale blue with five black vertical bars that begin in the rayed part of the dorsal (back) fin and taper off before reaching the belly (Ribbink et al. 1983).

Size: Up to 12 cm (Naish and Ribbink 1990)

Native Range: Endemic to Mbenji Island in central Lake Malawi, Malawi, Africa (Naish and Ribbink 1990)

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Ecology: Maylandia lombardoi is a member of the Mbuna (rock-dwelling) group of cichilds and is endemic to the fresh waters of Lake Malawi. It is found near Mbenji Island (south central Lake Malawi) in sediment-rich areas at the rock-sand interface and prefers depths of 10-25 meters (Ribbink et al. 1983). This fish is most often found in sandy areas between rocks or over large flat rocks (Ribbink et al. 1983, Naish and Ribbink 1990). Males excavate nest under rocks and are highly aggressive towards males of the same species but exhibit little aggression toward other intruders (Ribbink et al. 1983, Naish and Ribbink 1990). Maylandia lombardoi feeds on plankton and algae that they graze from rocks and sandy substrate (Ribbink et al. 1983). Females are mouthbrooders, protecting eggs and fry inside her mouth until they mature (Naish and Ribbink 1990).

Means of Introduction: Likely an aquarium release

Status: Unknown

Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.

Remarks: This species is popular in the ornamental fish trade. Maylandia lombardoi is favorable because of its coloring and its reproductive performance (Karadal et al. 2017).

References: (click for full references)

Karadal, O., D. Güroy, andG.  Türkmen. 2017. Effects of feeding frequency and Spirulina on growth performance, skin coloration and seed production on kenyi cichlids (Maylandia lombardoi). Aquaculture International 25:121–134. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10499-016-0017-x
Naish, K.A. and A.J. Ribbink. 1990. A preliminary investigation of sex change in Pseudotropheus lombardoi (Pisces: Cichlidae). Environmental Biology of Fishes, 28: 285-294.
Ribbink, A.J., B.A. Marsh, A.C. Marsh, A.C. Ribbink, and B.J. Sharp. 1983. A preliminary survey of the cichlid fishes of rocky habitats in Lake Malawi: results-The Mbuna-Pseudotropheus. African Zoology, 18(3): 157-200.

Other Resources:
US Fish and Wildlife Service Ecological Risk Screening Summary for Maylandia lombardoi

Author: Reaver, K.M.

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.