The Electric Yellow African Cichlid is also known as the Yellow Lab or Electric Yellow Lab and gets its rather unusual name as a result of its brilliant yellow coloration, setting it apart from other cichlids. Considered a new species and referred to commercially as Labidochromis tanganicae, this cichlid lives in the waters of Lake Malawi between the islands of Charo and Mbowe. First displayed at Burundi in the early 1980’s and exported from there, the Electric Yellow was mistakenly believed to come from Lake Tanganyika. Small Electric Yellows will often not show the vivid black striping on the fins until they mature and age.

Pictures Copyright Andrzej Zabawski

A peaceful and shy cichlid when compared to the temperament of other African Cichlids, Electric Yellow would be considered semi-aggressive in a standard fresh water aquarium. The aquarium should include a sandy bottom, robust plants, caves, and rocks.

The female lays her eggs on the surface of rocks and then scoops them into her mouth where they brood for 18 days before being released.

The Electric Yellow Lab needs both meaty foods and greens such as brine shrimp, blood worms, and quality flake or pellet food containing vegetable matter.

Family: Cichlidae
Species: Labidochromis caeruleus
Compatibility: Lake Malawi similar size African Cichlids and African Catfish
Tank Conditions: 72-82?F; pH 7.8-8.5; dH 10-15
Size: 5 in (13 cm)
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Diet: Omnivorous