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Metriaclima lombardoi can be found at the Mbenji Islands and Nkhomo Reef where they live in the rocky parts of the intermediate zones from rocks to sand. There are no color differences between both populations however there is a small difference in the size they can reach. It seems that the examples from the Mbenji Islands are bigger than those from Nkhomo Reef which ones in trade are sold as "Lombardoi dwarf". These examples are from Nkhomo Reef. In the lake the males of these species can grow to 8 cm, in the aquarium however they can grow taller because of a good feeding. The males can then grow to about 12 cm, females grow to about 10 cm. Metriaclima lombardoi can behave intolerant against equal species, against other inhabitants they are in general tolerant. You can best keep this species with multiple females and other mbuna in an aquarium with a lot of hiding places. In the lake they are mainly feeding themselves with algae, invertebrates and plankton. In the aquarium they are comfortable with any food. They take everything they get offered, like spirulina pellets, mysis, artemia, cyclops and shrimp-peas mix. Food rich of algae like spirulina pellets or flakes is very important to them so this should not be missing on their menu. 
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