🐟 Yellow Lab Cichlid (Labidochromis caeruleus)
🐟 Yellow Lab Cichlid (Labidochromis caeruleus)
Bright Display Fish • Peaceful Mbuna Cichlid • Hardy Community Species
📋 The Yellow Lab Cichlid is one of the most popular African cichlids due to its bright lemon-yellow body and contrasting black fins, which make it a striking addition to Malawi aquariums. Unlike many Mbuna cichlids, Yellow Labs are more peaceful and community-friendly, making them an excellent choice for both new and experienced aquarists.
With a manageable adult size of 8 – 10 cm, they are suitable for medium-sized aquariums, provided there is plenty of rockwork and hiding places. They are hardy, adaptable, and long-lived, thriving in hard, alkaline water typical of Lake Malawi setups.
Their peaceful nature, bright coloration, and easy care make them one of the best beginner African cichlids and a perfect centerpiece for Malawi community tanks.
💡 Highlights
✨ Bright lemon-yellow body – electric coloration
⚪ Contrasting black fins – striking aquarium presence
📏 Small-medium size (8 – 10 cm) – manageable for many tanks
✅ Peaceful Mbuna – less aggressive than most Malawi cichlids
🐠 Mouthbrooder – fascinating maternal care
🧾 A Quick Look at the Yellow Lab Cichlid
📛 Common Name: Yellow Lab Cichlid / Electric Yellow Cichlid
🔬 Scientific Name: Labidochromis caeruleus
👨👩👧 Family: Cichlidae
🌍 Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa
📏 Max Size: 8 – 10 cm (≈ 3 – 4")
💧 pH Range: 7.6 – 8.6
🌡️ Temperature Range: 24 – 28 °C (75 – 82 °F)
🧠 Care Level: Easy (beginner-friendly African cichlid)
💖 Temperament: Peaceful (for a Mbuna)
🏠 Min Tank Size: 114 L (30 US gallons)
📌 Tank Level: Middle to bottom
🧬 Captive Bred: ✅Yes
🌿 Wild Caught: ❌No
⏳ Lifespan: 6 – 10 years
🍽️ Diet: Omnivore (pellets, algae, small invertebrates)
🐣 Reproduction: Maternal mouthbrooder

















