Saltwater Aquarist

Electric Yellow Cichlid

(Labidochromis caeruleus)

Electric Yellow Cichlid (Labidochromis caeruleus) in a freshwater aquarium

Species Description…

Scientific Name: Labidochromis caeruleus
Common Name: Electric Yellow Cichlid
Species Group: Cichlid
Tank Type:
Care Level: Beginner
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Diet Type: Omnivore
Role in Aquarium: Showpiece Fish
Max Fish Length: 3.9 (inches)
Min Aquarium Size: 33 (gallons)
Native Range: Endemic to Lake Malawi. The yellow form is found only between Charo and Lion's Cove on the northwestern shore.
Min Temperature: 75°F
Max Temperature: 82°F
Min pH: 7.7
Max pH: 8.6
Min GH: 10 dGH
Max GH: 25 dGH
Min Group Size:
Breeding: Easy
Lifespan: years

Overview

  • The Electric Yellow Cichlid (Labidochromis caeruleus) is a bright yellow mbuna from Lake Malawi.
  • The yellow form comes from a short stretch of the northwestern shore, between Charo and Lion’s Cove.
  • Grows to about 3.9 in (10 cm) standard length.
  • One of the most popular and peaceful mbuna.

Feeding

  • Vegetable matter such as spirulina flake and blanched spinach should be a large part of the diet.
  • Add some live and frozen foods.

Habitat

  • A tank with a base of 36 × 18 in (90 × 45 cm).
  • Rock piles forming caves, with open water between, on a sandy substrate.
  • Hard, alkaline water: 75–82°F (24–28°C), pH 7.7–8.6, GH 10–25.

Fish Care

  • Hardy if kept in hard, alkaline water.

Compatibility

  • Ideal for a Lake Malawi tank with peaceful haps.
  • Can also live with hard-water rainbowfish and some cyprinids.

Aquarium Behavior

  • Relatively peaceful for an mbuna, but territorial when spawning.
  • Males chase females, so keep several females per male.

Breeding

  • A maternal mouthbrooder.
  • Use a species tank with one male and at least 3 females.
  • Breeding water: pH 8.2–8.5, 77–80°F (25–26.5°C). Provide flat stones and open sand.