Yellow lab cichlid
Labidochromis caeruleus · Cichlidae
Also known as Electric yellow, Labidochromis caeruleus
Intermediate
The gentlest mbuna: bright yellow, rock-dwelling, and needs hard alkaline water.
In short: A yellow lab cichlid needs at least 200 L (53 US gal), water at 24–28 °C (75–82 °F) and pH 7.6–8.8. It is semi-aggressive, best kept in groups of 4 or more, and rated intermediate to keep.
Updated
- Minimum tank
- 200 L (53 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- pH
- 7.6–8.8
- Adult size
- 10 cm (3.9 in)
- Group size
- 4+
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 200 L (53 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- pH
- 7.6–8.8
- Hardness
- 10–25 dGH
- Lifespan
- 6–10 years
- Diet
- Omnivore — cichlid pellets with vegetable content; avoid heavy protein.
- Care level
- Intermediate
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Lake Malawi, Africa
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Biotope
- Rocky lake shoreline
- Natural conditions
- Hard, very alkaline, stable, oxygen-rich water.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Minimum group
- 4 fish
- Swims
- All levels
- Good tank mates
- Other peaceful mbunaSynodontis catfish
- Avoid
- Soft-water community fishShrimpPlants they will eat
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Beginner
- Sexing
- Males develop black fin markings and are more aggressive.
- Notes
- Maternal mouthbrooder; keep one male to three or more females.
- Common ailments
- Malawi bloatIchAggression injuries
Will it fit your tank?
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