Looking to set up an aquarium to keep one or multiple of the endless colorful African cichlid species? Consider one of the classics of this branch of the aquarium hobby: the striking Labidochromis caeruleus, better known as the electric yellow cichlid.
Its small size and relatively peaceful nature make the electric yellow cichlid one of the best Lake Malawi cichlid species for beginners. Sound good? Keep reading for everything you need to know about this neon number!
| Name (common, scientific) | Electric yellow cichlid, yellow lab, Labidochromus caeruleus |
| Minimum tank size | 40 gallons (long) |
| Minimum group size | 1M 2F |
| Temperature | 75-82 °F |
| pH | 7.7-8.5 |
| Difficulty level | Intermediate |
Electric yellow cichlid description & natural habitat
Description
If you’re looking for an addition to your African cichlid tank that will really catch the eye, the electric yellow cichlid is exactly what you need. It lends its appropriate common name from the yellow color morph that naturally occurs in parts of Lake Malawi (other colorations in this species include white and blue with black stripes).
Electric yellow cichlids grow to a size of around 4”, making them one of the smaller African cichlid species. They’re notoriously difficult to sex as there is no overly sexual dimorphism, but males are generally slightly more intensely colored. Unlike the females, their pelvic and anal fins feature some black coloration.
Natural habitat
As briefly mentioned above, the electric yellow cichlid is naturally found in Lake Malawi. Also known as Lake Nyasa, this massive lake is one of the African Great Lakes. It was created due to its location on the East African Rift, a place where the Earth’s tectonic plates are actively (though very slowly!) moving about.
Lake Malawi is a totally unique place, characterized by alkaline waters and a mind-boggling variety of cichlid fish (some sources suggest up to 1,000 different species). Labidochromis caeruleus is a member of a subgroup of these that’s referred to as the mbunas, an unofficial category that includes loads of other popular Lake Malawi cichlids.
Now, today’s subject is found throughout the central western and eastern shallows of the lake, where it inhabits rocky zones. Although it’s mostly found in coastal waters, it does stay a bit deeper than most other Labidochromis: it’s mostly found at around 25 meters of depth. However, the particular naturally occurring color morph we’re discussing today – electric yellow – is apparently only found in a specific spot called Lion’s Cove.
The IUCN considers Labidochromis caeruleus to be a species of Least Concern, stating it’s widespread in its natural habitat. Yay!
Electric yellow cichlid (Labidochromis caeruleus) aquarium
Set-up
Because these cichlids stay relatively small, an aquarium of 40 gallons (long) will suffice for a simple set-up. The tank should ideally be decorated in Lake Malawi style, with a light sandy substrate and plenty of rocks and caves. Plants are an option; some of the locations in the lake where electric yellow cichlids can be found are characterized by their dense fields of Vallisneria.
The water should be hard and basic with a pH around 8 and hardness level between 15 and 20 °H.
Tankmates
Because this species is known to be relatively peaceful, you’ve got some options when it comes to tankmates, mbuna or otherwise.
Quick, sturdy schooling fish that don’t mind hard water, notably rainbowfish, are known to work well with electric yellows. They’re not biotope-correct, but definitely a beautiful addition with their stunning colors! When it comes to other cichlids, the best choices are species that are also relatively peaceful. Peacock cichlids, blue dolphin cichlids and zebra cichlids are among your possible options.
Keep in mind that the males of this species are known to display some territorial behavior, especially during spawning time. They will also chase females rather relentlessly, so be sure to keep your electric yellows in a harem that contains more females than males to disperse any aggression.
Electric yellow cichlid (Labidochromis caeruleus) diet
In its natural habitat, the electric yellow cichlid feeds on small invertebrates like crustaceans and snails. In the aquarium it will accept pretty much any food it can find, though it’s a good idea to use a commercial food designed especially for Rift lake cichlids as a staple. According to one study, the species needs at least 35% dietary protein for the best growth.
You can supplement with plenty frozen or live food, as well as the occasional serving greens like fresh blanched vegetables and algae tablets.
Did you know? A 2014 study found that feeding foods rich in carotenoids can help ensure nice, bright coloration in electric yellow cichlids.
Breeding Electric yellow cichlid (Labidochromis caeruleus)
Interested in breeding your electric yellow cichlids? It’s not the easiest task, but it can be done. These fish are mouthbrooders, meaning the female will carry the eggs in her mouth until they hatch.
As we’ve mentioned before, the males of this species can be rather overly enthusiastic during breeding time, often pursuing potential mates until the point of exhaustion. If you’re looking to breed your electric yellows, be sure to keep plenty of females to each male to lessen stress.
Include lots of caves in the aquarium decor and maybe consider going a size larger with the tank than you usually would, in order to allow each cichlid to find a spot to retreat to if need be.
Conclusion
A Rift lake biotope filled with colorful species like the electric yellow cichlid is a spectacular sight to see. Unfortunately it does come with its particular challenges, especially in regard to choosing the right tankmates to avoid sparking World War 3 in your aquarium.
Not sure how to go about setting up your African cichlid aquarium? We can actually do it for you – we’ll even maintain it! Simply contact us here with your ideas and we’ll get back to you to see how we can make your dream tank a reality.
