Electric Yellow Labidochromis
Quick Stats
| Size | Up to 4.50 inches (11.4 cm) |
|---|---|
| Tank | 120 litres + |
| Swimming Area | All |
| Ph | 7.5 to 8.5 |
| Temperature | 73ºF to 82ºF (23-28°C) |
| Food | Flake, live and pellets |
Common Name:
Labidochromis Caeruleus, Electric Yellow Labidochromis, Lemon Cichlid, Yellow Lab
Distribution:
Africa, lake Malawi. Known only from the northwestern coast of the lake.
Colouration:
In one word the colors are striking. Bright yellow with a black bar at the top of the dorsal fin. The eye often has a small, black stripe running across it Unlike many other cichlids the males and females both share this fantastic color. The dominant male in top condition will be the most brightly colored and the showcase of the tank. Males are also said to have a darker edge to their fins.
Lifespan:
10 + years.
Maintenance:
10 to 20% weekly. They should be kept in a large community aquarium with other smaller Mbuna type fish like the species from the Labeotropheus, Melanochromis as well as others from the Pseudotropheus Genus. The minimum length of the tank should be three feet.
Feeding:
Feeding is not a problem as all types of food are taken, weather flake or frozen, it should contain a high content of plant material. Live food like earthworms and the like should be offered only occasionally as they are low in fibers and not the best choice. Spirulina Cichlid Pellets are a good example of what to feed.
Substrate:
Sand substrate. As with most Cichlids, they love to dig.
Tank Decor:
The aquarium should try to mimic the natural rubble zone where they live. This includes extensive rockwork with caves and other hiding places that kind of divide the tank into different territories. Although plants are usually left alone by this species its tankmates will constantly dig them up. If kept in a species tank try to use hardier specimens like Vallisneria and Java fern.
Filtration:
Water should be well filtered with a good current.
Biotype:
Rocky regions of the lake free of sediment.
Breeding:
Breeding of the fish from the Rift Lakes is one of the most fascinating things a hobbyist can observe. They are known as mouthbrooders. No bonding takes place between the male and females of the species and unlike their South American cousins one female will not be enough for the male. You should have at least a ratio of three females to each male in the tank. Right after the spawning males and females go their own ways and only the mother will care for the eggs and fry. The preferred spawning site is a flat stone in a covered secluded place. The eggs are still unfertilized when the female takes them in her mouth. They are fertilized when the female follows the male with her mouth close to his anal fin. The egg spots play an important role as it is thought that the female believes these are more eggs and goes to retrieve them. At this moment the male releases his sperm and fertilizes the eggs in her mouth. The eggs are rich with yolk and take a long time to hatch. Once hatched the yolk sac takes about 20 days to be absorbed. Due to their larger size the fry can be fed finely crushed flake food or even Daphnia if you can find it. If raised in a community setting special feeding should not be needed as the fry will be able to find small left over food particles floating in the tank. One of the best things to observe is the fry retreating back into the mothers mouth when danger nears.