Yellow Lab Cichlid
Labidochromis caeruleus
Minimum Tank
30 Gallons
Adult Size
4 inches
Temperature
75-82°F (24-28°C)
pH Range
7.5-8.5
Lifespan
10 years
About Yellow Lab Cichlid
The yellow lab cichlid, also known as the electric yellow cichlid, is a brightly colored mbuna from Lake Malawi in East Africa. Its vivid lemon-yellow body with contrasting black dorsal fin edging makes it one of the most recognizable and popular African cichlids. Yellow labs are among the least aggressive mbuna species, which is notable in a group of fish known for their combative nature. In the wild, they inhabit rocky shorelines where they pick at algae-covered surfaces. Like all mbuna, yellow labs are maternal mouthbrooders, with females incubating fertilized eggs in their mouths for about three weeks before releasing free-swimming fry. Their bright color, relative peacefulness, and ease of breeding make them an ideal entry point into the world of African cichlids.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 30-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
- • pH: 7.5 - 8.5
- • Category: Cichlid
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Keep yellow labs in a species-specific or mbuna community tank of at least 30 gallons with a sandy substrate and plenty of stacked rocks creating caves and territories. They require hard, alkaline water at pH 7.8-8.6 and temperatures of 75-82°F. Maintain a ratio of one male to multiple females to reduce aggression. Feed a primarily herbivorous diet of spirulina flakes, algae wafers, and vegetable-based cichlid pellets, as high-protein diets can cause bloat. Avoid housing with very aggressive mbuna species like kenyi or red zebra that may bully them. Regular water changes are essential, as Lake Malawi cichlids are sensitive to deteriorating water quality.
Quick Facts
114L
Min Tank (30gal)
10cm
Adult Size (4")
10yr
Lifespan
1+
Can Keep Solo
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Yellow Lab Cichlid
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Tank Mates for Yellow Lab Cichlid
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Blue Gourami
Trichopodus trichopterus
easy · 30+ gal
Buenos Aires Tetra
Hyphessobrycon anisitsi
easy · 20+ gal
Paradise Fish
Macropodus opercularis
easy · 20+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other easy-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Yellow Lab Cichlid need?
A Yellow Lab Cichlid needs a minimum tank size of 30 gallons (114 litres).
What water parameters does a Yellow Lab Cichlid need?
Yellow Lab Cichlid thrive in water between 75-82°F (24-28°C) with a pH of 7.5-8.5.
Are Yellow Lab Cichlid easy to care for?
Yellow Lab Cichlid are considered easy to care for. They are semi-aggressive fish with a lifespan of about 10 years.
How big do Yellow Lab Cichlid get and what do they eat?
Yellow Lab Cichlid reach about 4 inches and are omnivores. Keep yellow labs in a species-specific or mbuna community tank of at least 30 gallons with a sandy substrate and plenty of stacked rocks creating caves and territories. They require hard, alkaline water at pH 7.8-8.6 and temperatures of 75-82°F. Maintain a ratio of one male to multiple females to reduce aggression. Feed a primarily herbivorous diet of spirulina flakes, algae wafers, and vegetable-based cichlid pellets, as high-protein diets can cause bloat. Avoid housing with very aggressive mbuna species like kenyi or red zebra that may bully them. Regular water changes are essential, as Lake Malawi cichlids are sensitive to deteriorating water quality.