African Cichlid – Electric Yellow Cichlid Australian (Labidochromis Caeruleus) 4-5cm

Electric Yellows are without a doubt the most popular african cichlid we have here in Australia, These fish are very popular among hobby keepers and are always in high demand. Electric yellows are one of the more peaceful African Cichlids and will get along well with most of their tank mates. Both males and females of the electric yellow are deep yellow in colour and develop black anal, pectoral and dorsal fins (more prominent in males as they mature).

They are originally from Lake Malawi in Tanzania, Africa.

The Electric Yellow should be kept in hard alkaline water with a pH between 7.5 and 8.5. They are reasonably tolerant of low water conditions, although this is not recommended. The water temperature should be between 24°c – 26°c, though slightly lower or higher temperatures are tolerated well.

The aquarium should include a fine substrate, hardy plants, caves, and rocks. They should be kept in the largest possible tank, with a recommended size of about 200 litres.

The Electric Yellow is considered to be one of the most placid African cichlids, however they are still known to be territorial. They will show aggression towards fish of similar body shape and color.

Electric Yellow cichlids can be kept with most other African cichlids of similar size and aggression. Their semi-aggressive nature makes them incompatible with most african cichlid community fish.

The Electric Yellow is an omnivore that will readily consume meaty foods and greens such as brine shrimp, commercial frozen cichlid food, and vegetable-based flakes and pellets. Like most fish, overfeeding should be avoided.

It’s quite common for Electric Yellow cichlids to breed in home aquariums. Breeding usually begins when the fish reach 5-6cm in size, which takes roughly six months on a normal diet. The female will lay her eggs against a surface such as a flat rock. The male will then fertilize the eggs, which are then scooped up by the female and stored in her mouth. She will then hide for approximately three weeks while the fish hatch and grow inside her mouth.

When the fry are ready, the female will spit them out and protect them from predators. If your tank doesn’t have sufficient hiding places, you may need to transfer the fry into a separate tank or into a special fry holder. Attempting to move the female may cause her to stress and eat her own young.

Electric Yellow fry can be fed crushed flakes or pellets, brine shrimp and small amount of commercial cichlid food.

• Species – Labidochromis Caeruleus
• Common Name – Electric Yellow
• Origin – Lake Malawi
• Diet – Omnivore
• PH Range – Alkaline
• Water Type – Hard
• Temperature – Tropical 24°c – 26°c
• Breed Type – Mouth brooder
• Current Size – approximately 5cm (Grows to approximately 10cm)
• Sex – Un-sexed