Nkhata Bay White/Blue Form
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
Overview
The original wild type described by Lewis, featuring a white or pale blue body with blue sheen. Rarely seen in the hobby; the yellow form completely dominates.
Appearance
Shared with the species: Yellow Lab
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
Shared with the species: Yellow Lab
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
Shared with the species: Yellow Lab
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
Shared with the species: Yellow Lab
One of the most peaceful mbuna. Works well with other moderate Malawi cichlids and some haplochromides. Avoid males of similar yellow coloration.
Breeding
Shared with the species: Yellow Lab
Mouthbrooder. Female incubates 10–25 eggs/fry in buccal cavity for ~21 days. Fry are released large and self-sufficient.
Fun facts
Shared with the species: Yellow Lab
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.