Fish
Yellow Lab
Labidochromis caeruleus
Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa — rocky coastal areas, especially Nkhata Bay region
Also known as: Electric Yellow Cichlid, Yellow Prince, Labidochromis caeruleus
Fact sheet
- Size
- 10 cm
- Lifespan
- 8 years
- Minimum tank size
- 120 L
- Temperature
- 23–28 °C
- pH
- 7.5–8.5
- Hardness GH
- 10–20 °dH
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Social behavior
- Schooling
- Swimming zone
- Middle
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Jumps out
- No
- Eats plants
- Yes
Varieties
Overview
The Yellow Lab or Electric Yellow Cichlid (Labidochromis caeruleus) is among the most popular and recognizable of all Lake Malawi mbuna cichlids. Described by Lewis in 1982, the brilliant yellow 'Electric Yellow' form comes from a restricted rocky coastal range in Malawi. Despite being classified as mbuna, it is notably less aggressive than many relatives, making it one of the best introductory Malawi cichlids. IUCN status: Least Concern.
Appearance
Compact, elongated body to 10 cm. Most aquarium fish are solid bright yellow with black dorsal fin edging and black ventral/anal fin margins. Males slightly more intensely colored; mature males bear egg-spots on the anal fin.
Care
Malawi cichlid setup from 150 L. Temperature 24–28°C, pH 7.8–8.5, GH 10–20. Coral or limestone gravel substrate to buffer pH. Dense rockwork with many hiding spaces.
Feeding
Omnivore leaning herbivore: algae, biofilm, small invertebrates in the wild. Spirulina-enriched cichlid pellets, blanched vegetables. Avoid high-protein meaty foods — risk of Malawi bloat.
Compatibility
One of the most peaceful mbuna. Works well with other moderate Malawi cichlids and some haplochromides. Avoid males of similar yellow coloration.
Breeding
Mouthbrooder. Female incubates 10–25 eggs/fry in buccal cavity for ~21 days. Fry are released large and self-sufficient.
Fun facts
The species name caeruleus means 'blue' — named from the white/blue Nkhata Bay form first collected. The yellow 'Electric Yellow' form has a very restricted natural range. One of the easiest mbuna to keep and breed.