Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Electric Yellow Cichlid

Labidochromis caeruleus Fryer, 1956

Also called Yellow lab, Electric yellow, Lemon yellow lab, Blue streak hap, Yellow prince

SpeciesShort profile

From Lake Malawi, East Africa: the north-western shore. The bright yellow form is found naturally only in a short stretch between Charo and Lion's Cove.1 2 3

At a glance the quick version

Length8.1 to 15 cm2 1 3

Sizesmall

One of the calmest mbuna

Brilliant lemon-yellow colour

Good choice for first-time Malawi cichlid keepers

1 3

Looks how to spot one

Small, elongated mbuna cichlid

A neat, torpedo-shaped cichlid. The popular aquarium form is a vivid lemon yellow with dark markings in the fins. Males grow a little larger, colour up more strongly when spawning and show more black in the fins.1 3

Colourselectric yellowwhite to pale blue (common wild form)black fin markings1 3

Personality what they are like

Peaceful for an African rift-lake cichlid, though males become territorial when spawning. It fits well into a specialist Malawi tank rather than a mixed tropical community.1 3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Active and constantly exploring rockwork; males dig pits in the sand when breeding.1 3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Hard, alkaline water with regular water changes and plenty of stacked rocks to create caves.1

Home where they are happiest

Minimum base about 90 x 45 cm (around 150 litres) with rocky caves over sand. Temperature 23-28 °C, pH about 7.7-8.9, hardness 10-25 dGH.1 2 3

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Plant-leaning omnivore. Spirulina flakes, cichlid pellets and blanched greens, topped up with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, krill or bloodworm.1 3

Company who they like around

Best kept with one male to several females. Combines well with peaceful haps and other mild mbuna; avoid other Labidochromis species as they may interbreed.1 2

The story where it all began

Geoffrey Fryer described the species in 1956, and it first reached the hobby under the wrong name L. tanganyicae. The yellow form from the area around Lion's Cove went on to become one of the best-loved Lake Malawi cichlids in aquariums worldwide.3 1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
The famous yellow colour form is uncommon in the wild; most wild fish of this species are whitish-blue.1
2
Females carry the eggs and then the young in their mouth for about three weeks.3
3
It was first imported under the mistaken name Labidochromis tanganyicae.1
4
A brood is small for a cichlid, usually around 5 to 30 eggs.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 22 June 2018)2
Taxonomy: Described by Fryer in 1956; a mbuna cichlid of family Cichlidae3

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an Electric Yellow Cichlid. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
Water testevery week
Glass cleanevery week
Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Electric Yellow Cichlid?

Feed small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding. Adjust based on your fish's appetite and the food label, and ask your vet if unsure.1 Pet Wiki plan

What does an Electric Yellow Cichlid eat, and what should it never eat?

It is a plant-leaning omnivore that enjoys spirulina flakes, cichlid pellets, blanched greens, and occasional frozen or live foods like brine shrimp. Avoid any foods not designed for cichlids, and never feed it human food or items with additives.1 3

How much space does an Electric Yellow Cichlid need?

A minimum base of about 90 x 45 cm (around 150 litres) with rocky caves and sand is recommended. This gives them room to explore and establish territories.1 2 3

What temperature, light or water does an Electric Yellow Cichlid need?

Keep water temperature between 23-28°C, pH around 7.7-8.9, and hardness 10-25 dGH. Provide moderate lighting and plenty of stacked rocks for caves. Furry Diary suggests daily temperature checks and weekly water tests.1 2 3 Pet Wiki plan

How often should I clean an Electric Yellow Cichlid's home?

Furry Diary's plan recommends a weekly 25% water change and glass cleaning, plus a monthly filter rinse using old tank water (never tap water). Regular cleaning keeps their hard, alkaline water stable. Pet Wiki plan

Can an Electric Yellow Cichlid live with others?

Yes, it is peaceful for a cichlid but best kept with one male to several females. It combines well with peaceful haps and other mild mbuna, but avoid other Labidochromis species to prevent interbreeding.1 2

How long does an Electric Yellow Cichlid live?

Lifespan varies depending on care and environment. For specific information, consult a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.

Can I handle an Electric Yellow Cichlid?

It is best not to handle this fish as it can cause stress and damage their slime coat. Enjoy watching them explore rockwork and dig in the sand instead.1 3

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

Seriously Fish: Labidochromis caeruleus seriouslyfish.comused for range, size, care, water, diet, behaviour, colour, breeding, history
FishBase: Labidochromis caeruleus fishbase.seused for distribution, max length, temperature, IUCN, stocking
Wikipedia: Labidochromis caeruleus en.wikipedia.orgused for names, describer, size, pH, temperature, breeding, diet

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.