The electric yellow cichlid (Labidochromis caeruleus) is an attractive African species that’s easy to keep. With suitable water conditions and a balanced diet, they can live for up to 8 years.
Cichlids prefer hard, alkaline water with values between 15-20 DGH. They can tolerate temperatures ranging from 77-80 degrees Fahrenheit as well.
Contents
Diet
The electric yellow cichlid, Labidochromis caeruleus, is one of the most sought-after African cichlids due to its stunning electric yellow and blue coloring that sets them apart from their cousins. They’ll add an eye-catching splash of vibrancy and interest to any aquarium setup.
They need a balanced diet that contains both meaty foods and vegetables. Brine shrimp, bloodworms, quality flake or pellet food with vegetable matter are ideal; however they can also be fed fresh, live or frozen foods in moderation.
Cichlids can be aggressive towards other fish of similar color and shape, so it is best to keep them with a harem of three or more females per male. Furthermore, males can become quite territorial during spawning season and may chase females until exhaustion sets in.
Electric yellow cichlids are mouthbrooders, meaning they will carry their eggs in their mouth until the fry hatch. To ensure a stress-free breeding experience for your fish, set up a separate tank with plenty of hiding places and provide them with plenty of oxygen during this process.
Breeding
The Electric Yellow Cichlid (Labidochromis caeruleus) is a species of cichlid native to Lake Malawi’s central western coastal region in East Africa. It has earned several colloquial names, such as Lemon Drop cichlid or Electric Yellow Labidochromis.
The electric yellow cichlid thrives in a tank with excellent water quality and an elevated PH value, and an ideal temperature of 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cichlids prefer to live at the bottom of a tank, so they need plenty of rock piles and caves as their habitat. Additionally, they enjoy spending time in lava rocks or terracotta pots.
These fish are mouthbrooders, meaning the female will carry 10-20 eggs in her mouth until she spawns them. Fry typically hatch after three weeks and are released from their mother’s mouth when ready to swim independently.
Care
The electric yellow cichlid is an eye-catching addition to any aquarium. They require minimal care and can even be bred in captivity for added breeding potential.
Omnivores such as these can be highly carnivorous in the wild, but will appreciate vegetable-based flakes and pellets in an aquarium setting. Furthermore, they will consume algae which provides a great supplement to their meaty diet.
These fish prefer an alkaline environment with a pH level of 8 and hardness range between 15-20 DGH. Temperatures around 77degF and regular water aeration are recommended to keep them healthy and contented.
Rainbowfish and rainbow cichlids make great partners, as can other quick schooling species like zebra cichlids and yellow tail acei cichlids. However, males tend to be territorial and aggressive so it’s best to keep them in a tank with more females than males in order to prevent any aggression from building up.
Feeding
The Electric Yellow Cichlid (Labidochromis caeruleus) is one of the most captivating mbuna cichlids due to its vibrant color. Aquarium enthusiasts can appreciate this cichlid’s lively personality in their home tanks.
Lake Malawi, one of Africa’s Great Lakes, provides a natural habitat for this species. Its alkaline water and diverse cichlid species make for an enchanting landscape.
In the wild, this species lives on rocky shores and beds of Vallisneria algae. As a herbivore, it requires a diet rich in vegetables for survival.
They feed on other fishes, insects, bug larvae and tiny crustaceans as well as algae.
Mouthbrooders refer to fish that will carry their eggs in their mouths until they hatch, a stressful experience for both male and female.
This cichlid should be kept in a biotope-type tank that replicates its natural habitat. The aquarium should be overgrown with plants such as Vallisneria, with plenty of swimming space at the bottom featuring rocks and caves.
