LOOK ALIKE MBUNA CICHLIDS

 

Pseudotropheus lombardoi (kenyi) mbuna cichlid and the Pseudotropheus demasoni mbuna cichlids, what is the distinct difference between the two? Both Kenyi and demasoni cichlids are African cichlids. Both are found in the lake of Malawi . To complicate matters even further the Cynotilapia afra also known in the hobby as Dog tooth cichlids do bare some resemblance when small as both. It should be noted that this fish too  is an mbuna and is also found in lake Malawi. Lets start with this cichlid, the afra cichlid or dogtooth cichlid, is a small species of cichlid fish from Lake Malawi in East Africa, where found in rocky habitats. The genus name roughly translates as dogtooth cichlid which describes the sharp, conical unicuspid teeth unique to this genus within the Lake Malawi species flock. I have never kept this fish and would love to get a few. For now I will settle with my stock of Kenyi and Demasoni.

Physical description: The body is elongated and the forehead is steep. Males are usually dark turquoise blue with six to seven navy blue bands. The first starts just behind the gill cover, and the last ends near the end of the dorsal fin. The dorsal fin is elongated, running from the peak of the forehead, back to the base of the caudal fin. The dorsal fin is light turquoise or yellow depending on the fish. The caudal fin also varies from yellow to turquoise. The pelvic and anal fins range from turquoise to navy blue in color, while the pectoral fins are transparent. Three to four egg spots are located on the rear part of the anal fin. Females are light blue to slate gray in color, and usually have no stripes. The fins are also more dully colored, and not egg spots are present on the anal fin.
Size/Length: Males to 4.7" (12 cm), females to 4" (10 cm)
Similar species: Zebra Mbuna (Pseudotropheus zebra), Red-Dorsal Cobalt Zebra ( P. greshakei)
Habitat: Eastern Africa; Lake Malawi. The Dogtooth Cichlid is found near Likoma Island swimming in large schools in open water (unusual for a Mbuna).

Why did I do this video? Great question, that’s because I myself got confused with the three after making a purchase of a few Kenyi thinking it was a group of demasoni female cichlid. Upon close inspection of a few of the blue strip mbuna cichlid with a dash of yellow markings , I decided to do extensive research. I realized that I got instead of a few  Kenyi  cichlids or what is known scientifically as Pseudotropheus lombardoi. I discovered that of the three mbuna cichlids listed, the demasoni is seemingly the smallest.

The Kenyi or the Pseudotropheus lombardoi, one of the best description could be that The Kenyi Cichlid, Metriaclima lombardoi, is an aggressive medium sized cichlid that originates from the rocky shores of Lake Malawi in Africa. The female is blue with black bars and the male turns to a yellow color as it matures.

The Kenyi Cichlid is ideally kept in a 50 gallon or larger aquarium decorated with plenty of rocks and caves in order to provide adequate hiding places for these territorial fish.

The male is sexually mature when the full yellow color is achieved, and reproduction in this species is considered easy compared to other cichlids. They are a mouth brooding species and the fry are released from the female's mouth in about 3 weeks after fertilization. Feed the fry baby brine shrimp and finely ground flake food.

The Kenyi should be given a diet containing vegetable-based foods. Feed a quality vegetable-based flake food, algae, and other foods designed for African Cichlids.

The best size to purchase this fish would be between one and a half inches to two inches.

The demasoni mbuna cichlid on the other hand.

 

The Pseudotropheus demasoni cichlid originates from Lake Malawi in Africa at a place called Pombo Rocks. This dwarf mbuna cichlid is not all that common in the hobby and they can fetch a hefty price tag for freshwater fish. You can find them online going for $20 to $30 a piece. It's also recommended that they be kept in groups.

A 55 gallon or larger with an aragonite based substrate (help with pH) and lots of rock work to provide cover and caves for them is needed.

Some hobbyists recommend keeping them in a school of 7 or more and others think at least 10 or 12 or more is needed for better long term success. This is to limit any behavioral issues and spread out any male aggression among the group.

It is hoped that this share was insightful bye