Labidochromis caeruleus

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Electric Yellow Cichlid
Electric Yellow Cichlid
Species	Labidochromis caeruleus ("Yellow Morph")
Difficulty	Moderate
Min. Tank Size	94.635 liters 94,635.295 mL 25 US Gallons (94.6L)
Size	5.118 in 10-13 cm (3.9-5.1")
pH	7.5 - 8.6
Temp.	295.15 K 71.6 °F 531.27 °R 301.15 K 82.4 °F 542.07 °R22 -28 °C (71.6-82.4°F)
Water Hardness	10-15
Stocking Ratio	1:3 M:F
Availability	Common
Diet	Carnivore Pellet Foods Flake Foods Live Foods
Life Span	6-8 years

[edit] Alternative names

The Electric Yellow Cichlid is an African Mbuna Cichlid and is also known as Yellow Lab or Electric Yellow Lab.

[edit] In the Wild

Although the yellow morph is reported to be rare in the wild, it is common in the aquarium trade. They are reported only from deep water, rocky habitats on the north end of Lake Malawi.

[edit] Sexing

In general dominant males will show more black in the fins and a more pronounced forehead, like many Mbuna, Labs are a good candidate for venting.

[edit] Breeding

Typical Cichlid Mouthbrooder.

[edit] Tank compatibility

The Yellow Lab should be considered semi-aggressive in a normal tank, and should not be housed with other non-African Cichlid tankmates. Yellow Labs are best kept with other semi-aggressive Cichlids from Lake Malawi and are generally peaceful to other types of African Cichlids and can be territorial towards others of their own species.

[edit] Diet

In the wild there diet consists mainly of small invertebrates, but being an omnivore the electric yellow cichlid does well on an predominantly herbivore diet, but benefits from added protein more then the average mbuna.

High protein food sources have been reported to cause Malawi Bloat.

Feeding suggestions include Brine Shrimp, Krill, Spirulina, Flake Foods, Pellet Foods, and vegetables such as peas and cucumbers.

[edit] Environment Specifics

Because the Electric Yellow lab is a type of Mbuna, it prefers a tank with lots of rocks and caves and are well suited to sand as a substrate. Thrives in high pH and hard water conditions. It may well shred any live plants that it is placed in with.

[edit] Behaviour

Generally mildy aggressive in an African Cichlid set up, with low potential for territoriality. Adult Yellow Labs may may exhibit dominance-related semi-aggressive behaviour with others of their own species. The Yellow Lab may be bullied by more aggressive Mbuna Cichlids.

[edit] Identification

Bright yellow with black, can be variations, sometimes black under shadows on lower body. A stressed yellow lab may temporarily display faint vertical barring.

[edit] Pictures

Yellow Lab	Yellow Lab	Juvenile Yellow Lab

[edit] External links

• Fishbase
• Wikipedia
• Aqua Hobby
• Tims Tropicals