Yellow Lab Cichlid care guide
Yellow Lab Cichlid (Labidochromis caeruleus) — minimum tank 150 L, temperature 24-28 °C, pH 7.5-8.5.
Overview
The Yellow Lab (Labidochromis caeruleus) is a small mbuna cichlid from Lake Malawi, the popular yellow morph being known as the Electric Yellow Cichlid. Adults display an even bright yellow body with a contrasting black sub-marginal band on the dorsal and anal fins.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Labidochromis
- Scientific name: Labidochromis caeruleus
- Common synonyms: Electric Yellow Cichlid
Habitat
Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa, occurring at depths of 10-30 metres along the intermediate habitat between sandy and rocky shore zones, where it forages over rock surfaces in hard, alkaline rift-lake water.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L (39.6 US gal)
- Adult size: 8-10 cm
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 7.5-8.5
- GH: 10-20 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
Diet
Predominantly an insectivore and micropredator in the wild, taking aufwuchs invertebrates from rock surfaces. In aquaria a mixed diet of high-quality cichlid pellets, frozen foods (mysis, brine shrimp) and modest amounts of vegetable matter maintains colour and growth.
Compatibility
One of the most peaceful mbuna; suitable for a mixed African rift-lake community. Stock multiple females per male and combine with other mid-aggression mbuna such as Pseudotropheus or Cynotilapia; provide extensive rockwork to break sightlines. Do not combine with soft-water community fish.
Breeding
A maternal mouthbrooder. After courtship over a flat rock the female collects 10-30 eggs and broods them in her buccal cavity for about three weeks; fully-formed fry are released and can be raised on crushed flake from day one.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. The species has a moderate distribution within Lake Malawi and is one of the most widely captive-bred Malawi cichlids in the trade.