Electric Yellow Cichlid
Labidochromis caeruleus
The electric yellow cichlid, Labidochromis caeruleus, is a small mbuna cichlid from the rocky shores of Lake Malawi in East Africa. Also sold as the yellow lab or lemon yellow lab, it has a bright yellow body with dark edging on the dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins. In the wild, this species picks small invertebrates and food from rock surfaces rather than acting as a heavy algae scraper, and it is usually less combative than many other mbuna of similar size.
Aquarium care centers on hard, alkaline water, stable filtration, and a layout of rocks with open swimming space. Electric yellow cichlids are maternal mouthbrooders, so females carry eggs and fry in the mouth after spawning; mixed groups can breed readily when well settled. Captive-bred fish are common and often preferable to wild-caught imports. Buyers should look for clear color, straight fins, and compatible tankmates, since even this comparatively mild mbuna can harass quiet community fish.
