Labidochromis caeruleus

[Ged]

Species information

Species: Labidochromis caeruleus

Synoma: Labidichromis sp. "Yellow Bar", Labidochromis sp. "Yellow", Labidochromis tanganicae

Common name: Electric yellow, Yellow Lab, Lion's Cove Yellow, Lemon Yellow

Origin: Africa-Endemic to Lake Malawi

Localities/Morphs: Charo to Lion's Cove.

Maximum size: Upto 15cm, usually 10cm and females are slightly smaller.

Natural habitat: They are found in a sediment rich rocky biotope with dark caves and Valisneria beds at a depth of around 20m.

Natural foods/prey: Insect nymphs, ostracods, mites, and gastrapods.

Water chemistry in the wild: The pH varies between 7.8 and 8.5 and the temperature is between 23?C and 28?C.

Predators: Not known.

Brood size: 10-15 for small females and 20-25 for large females.

Sexual dimorphism: No, but males grow larger and have darker, fuller, dorsal and anal fins. However venting is a more accurate form of identification.

Breeding method: Maternal mouthbrooder.

Husbandry requirements

Minimum tank size: Above 150L.

Sex ratio: One male to several females.

Tolerance of conspecifics: Intolerant although no damage is done.

Tolerance of heterospecifics: Relatively peaceful.

Water chemistry in aquaria: Hard and alkaline water at 10-20? dGH

and pH 7.2 to 8.8.

Temperature range: 24-28?C.

Foods accepted: High quality flakes and pellets, only occassional supplements of live food due to susceptibility to malawi bloat.

Special requirements: No specific requirement.

Notes

Electric yellows sometimes display a brown/black 'mask' on their face, however the vertical black barrings that often appears are not natural.

Some yellows also show a faded yellow colour, having half white and half yellow colouration. These maybe the points to consider while buying.

Electric yellows are usually mellow and undemanding to keep. The fry tends to gain the yellow colour faster if fed on a diet of occassional brine shrimp. The brilliant colours are expressed if fed high quality food and spirulina products. IMO electric yellows are best suited in a tank with dark substrate or decorations as the contrasting colours make them stand out.

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