P. Lombardoi are typical Mbuna. Sexually dimorphic, females and juveniles are blue with transverse black bars. At maturity the males turn yellow. As with many fish, stress and lighting can cause color changes, and the females will occasionally appear almost as light as the male. Males have eggspots on the anal fin.
General Care
Environmental requirements are typical of other mbunas.
P. Lombardoi require a high pH and hard water. They are
opportunistic eaters, but should have high amounts of
algae in their diet. In my aquarium they have totally
removed the pattern from a Cowrie shell in their grazing!
Due to the alkalinity of their preferred water, they are
quite sensitive to Nitrites, so low bio-loads and/or
frequent water changes are required.
Among fish that are well known for aggression, P.
Lombardoi are probably middling aggressive. Both male
& female will establish definite territories and
chase other fish out of them, but are not typically
violent with members of other species. Multiple males of
the same species will require a lot of room.
Breeding is extremely easy. P. Lombardoi are maternal
mouthbrooders. Given sufficient room, food, and caves,
one male will keep one or more females pregnant almost
continuously. He takes no part in the process once the
eggs are fertilized. She takes up the eggs, and in about
3 weeks will release the young. They will breed in a
community aquarium, and probably should, or you will be
overrun in a short time.
