 | Freshwater > Fish > Cichlidae |
 | | | |  | Labidochromis Caeruleus (Electric Yellow Labidochromis) |  |  |
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 | Quick Ref. |  | |  Species: Labidochromis Caeruleus
| Geo. Location: Lake Malawi (Africa)
| PH: 6.5 - 8.5
| Temperature: 76 - 82F
| Water Hardness: 10 - 30dh
| Size: 4.5"
| Diet: Brine Shrimps, Spirulina, vegies
| Difficulty: 2
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| | | | | | Notes: First described by Fryer in 1956, Labidochromis Caeruleus is a great cichlid from Lake Malawi. In the wild, it can be found in the rocky environment of the lake as well as in Vallisneria fields. Living in depth between 10 and 80 ft, this beautiful bright yellow cichlid feeds on insects and small crustaceans in the plants.
Two different forms of this fish can be observed. The first and widely available one is the Electric Yellows also called Yellow Labs variety. This variety is very popular in aquarium for its flashy bright yellow color. Its fins are surrounded with a dark stripe. Both males and females are very attractive which is quite unusual for Mbunas. Stripes are however darker on males than on females. The other variety has more dull colors and is less broadly available to hobbyists. This variety is called “Blue-White”. Usually not bigger than 4.5 inches, males are bigger than females.
Labidochromis Caeruleus is quite hardy and prefers the hard and alkaline waters. A Ph between 6.5 and 8.5 with a Dh of 25 will make it happy. Temperatures range between 76 and 82F. Electric Labs are easy to keep and breed. They are probably one of the easiest Mbunas to breed (see below). This species can be kept in captivity for more than 6 years and if kept in proper condition this fish will show you its well being by displaying its most beautiful colors. Dominant males are usually the most colorful with a brighter yellow and darker edged fins.
Electric Yellows are not really demanding regarding their diets. Brine shrimps, spirulina tablets, vegetables (spinaches…) and even dried flakes are accepted. Blood worms should however be banned from their diet as they can bring digestive troubles. Feeding Labidochromis Caeruleus is quite important if kept in a planted tank. Indeed, this fish is one of the only African cichlids able to be kept in a planted tank. Of course soft plants like Java Moss or Riccia Fluitans will be nibbled at but if this species is fed on a regular basis it should leave hardier plants alone.
At least a 55 gallons tank is recommended to keep 5 to 10 of these cichlids. They need some space in order to establish their territory. Rocks will help recreate their habitat. Roots and strong plants can be added to create other types of caves and hiding places. Electric Yellows can be kept in specialty as well as in community tank (cichlids). They can be kept with other small Mbunas but should be kept away from other bigger/more aggressive cichlids as they would become dominated. Yellow Labs are quite calm for an African Cichlid species and do not like to be disrupted by other active fish. They will provide great colors and will be a great addition to a Malawi Cichlid tank.
| Breeding: Breeding this fish is always a pleasure. Labidochromis Caeruleus is one of the easiest Mbunas from Lake Malawi to breed. Being mouthbreeders, the female takes care of the eggs and fry. As discussed previously, males are somewhat bigger with darker stripes surrounding their fins than females. Males tend to become orange during the spawning period.
The breeding process is typical of Mbunas. Water changes seem to trigger spawning in this species. Proper condition in the breeding tank should be as follow: Ph: 7.8, Dh 25, Temp: 82F. By displaying its nicest colors and parading around the female, the male attract the female in a chosen spot (usually a flat surface). The female releases her eggs and pick them up right away in her mouth where the male fertilizes them. When the spawning process ends, the female look for a hiding place (usually rock cave) where she will remain for the time of the hatching period. This can last up to 4 weeks (depending on temperature) during which the female will not eat. Each female can hold as many as 30 eggs in her mouth during this period. A good advice is to remove the female from the tank where she spawns and put it together will her eggs in a remote tank where she will be alone. This tank will have plenty of plants and rocks. This process decrease the stress level on the female as she does not have to keep watching for potential predators while weakened by a lack of food. Frequent water change must be done. The fry will be fed baby brine shrimps and crushed flakes. They will grow quickly, reaching approximately 1.5 inches after 6 months. At this point they will become sexually mature and will start breeding.
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