Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)
Names
Scientific name
Labidochromis caeruleus
Labidochromis caeruleum
Common name
Electric yellow
Yellow prince
Blue streak hap
Labidochromis yellow
Lemon yellow lab
Blue streak hap
Origin
Origin: Africa (Lake Malawi)
Biotope: African
Dimorphism
In adulthood, the male is larger and has dorsal and anal fins more pointed
Group
Cichlidae
Volume
200 L / 44 Imp gal / 53 US gal
Parameters
T°: 23 to 27°C or 73 to 81°F
pH: 7.5 to 8.5
Hardness: 5 to 20°dGH
Difficulty
Easy
Size
12 cm (4.7 inches)
Longevity
8 years
Living zone
Middle and depth
Individuals
1 male and 2/3 females
Food
How to feed the Electric yellow?
Food
How to feed the Electric yellow?
The Electric yellow accepts all forms of food and will be easy to feed.
Its basic diet may consist of spirulina, artemia, fish meat, krill, shrimp and mussels. You can also supplement with plant foods (preferable but not vital).
Warning: it is dangerous to give red worms to this species. Indeed, these fish may have bowel problems related to this type of food. It weakens it little by little and it becomes more sensitive to diseases. It can even lead to death.
Behavior
What kind of behavior does the Electric yellow have?
Behavior
What kind of behavior does the Electric yellow have?
The Electric yellow is quite calm in nature compared to other cichlids found in the Lake Malawi. However, it will know how to defend itself when it needs it!
Like a good cichlid, it is quite territorial, even if it is very little aggressive compared to other cichlids. This strong character will mainly develop during breeding periods, where it will fiercely defend its territory. Outside of its particular moments, it will be peaceful.
It likes the presence of its congeners. They will naturally form a small, well-organised group.
This fish is quite sensitive to stress. You will observe physical signs of stress: black bands appear on its body.
Cohabitation
Who can live with the Electric yellow?
Cohabitation
Who can live with the Electric yellow?
To respect its biotope, it will be preferable to associate Labidochromis Caeruleus with other species coming from Lake Malawi. Of all the fish in this biotope, the best roommates will be the least aggressive and the least territorial possible.
Note that despite its peaceful nature, the Blue streak hap will not be dominated by Mbunas bigger than him.
Breeding
How to breed the Electric yellow?
Breeding
How to breed the Electric yellow?
It is a polygamous fish. Therefore, plan several females for a single male (2 to 4 females for 1 male).
Its reproduction will not cause any particular problems if the quality of the water is suitable for it.
At the beginning of the breeding, the male will make a parade and it will change colour slightly to yellow-orange. When a female is interested in this parade, it will join the male and both will make circles that last a few moments.
Subsequently, the female will lay eggs that will be fertilised by the male. They will then be harvested and made safe in the female’s mouth. During the period that follows, the female will spend its time hidden and will stop feeding. This is normal behavior that should not worry you. This incubation will last 3 weeks. After that, the female will expel the fry from its mouth.
The fry will grow regularly and after 8 months they will be about 5 centimeters or 2 inches.
To have a better survival rate of fry, prepare an aquarium specially dedicated to their breeding. You will ensure that the water parameters will be the same as the main tray. Introduce the female on the 19th day of incubation. Indeed, if we isolate the female too early in this aquarium, it may lose its place in the hierarchy of the group. Once it has expelled the fry, remove the female.
Fry food: crushed straws, Artemia nauplies.
Its aquarium
Which aquarium for the Electric yellow?
Its aquarium
Which aquarium for the Electric yellow?
This fish requires a lot of space. It also needs to define its territory. This is why a 200 liter / 44 imp gal / 53 US gal aquarium is the strict minimum for this species.
It will be much more comfortable in an aquarium imitating as much as possible its natural habitat. To do this, put sand in the bottom of the tank and build a rock decor taking care to set up hiding places. Pay attention to the stability of your arrangement to avoid risk of landslide (if necessary, stick the stones).
The Electric yellow tends to transform its aquarium: it does not hesitate to dig the sand and to uproot the plants that are there.
Maintenance tip: allow a water change of 15 to 25% of the total volume each week.
Good To know
Find all additional information!
Good To know
Find all additional information!
It will be the only Mbuna to be able to live with Haplos!
Yours photos!
By Encyclo-Caro
By Encyclo-Caro
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