Yellow Lab cichlid or Labidochromis caeruleus is an African cichlid that belongs in the Mbuna cichlid family. Yellow Lab cichlids originated from Africa’s Lake Malawi. It is characterized by its vibrant yellow coloring. Similar to other Mbuna cichlids, Yellow Lab cichlids are rock dwellers. They are not as aggressive compared to other Mbuna cichlids. Yellow Lab cichlids are a top choice for aquarium hobbyists looking to start an African cichlid tank. Yellow Lab cichlids are mouth brooders, under the right water condition, they can be bred at home.
Pet Fish Pro participates in affiliate programs including Amazon Associates Program and may earn commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. We write these articles for free, so thank you for your support.
How Big are Yellow Lab Cichlids?
Yellow Lab cichlids are medium sized cichlids and can grow to 6 inches in length or 15 cm.
Are All Yellow Lab Cichlids Yellow?
The most popular yellow lab cichlids are yellow. However, they also come in many color variations. The color variation of Labidochromis Caeruleus will depend on which section of Lake Malawi they are from.
Are Yellow Lab Cichlids Aggressive?
Yellow Lab cichlids are not as aggressive as the other Mbuna cichlid. It’s a popular choice for an African cichlid beginners tank.
What Water Parameters are Ideal for Yellow Lab Cichlids?
Yellow Lab cichlids will thrive in hard water tank that is set at 78-82 F at a PH level of 7.8 to 8.6.
Aquarium Set Up for Yellow Lab Cichlid
Yellow Lab Cichlids are rock dwellers, they prefer to swim and forage around rocks rather than swim in the open water. The ideal aquarium set up for your Yellow Lab cichlids is to recreate the rocky environment that they are used to in Lake Malawi. Yellow Lab cichlids will swim in groups. You should have at least 8 Yellow Lab cichlids in your tank. In order to recreate the Lake Malawi rocky environment, set up the aquarium with plenty of rocks and caves for hiding with a sandy bottom. You can buy caves and rocks from Amazon or go out and find some in your backyard. Be careful, don’t stack rocks precariously, they can fall on your cichlids!
Minimum Tank Size for Yellow Lab Cichlids (Labidochromis caeruleus)
Yellow Lab Cichlids can grow up to 6 inches long. You should house your Yellow Lab cichlids in a big aquarium at a minimum 60 gallons, ideally 150 gallons.
How Many Yellow Lab Cichlids in a 75 gallon tank?
You can have around 19 Yellow Lab cichlids in a 75 gallon aquarium. Use our Mbuna cichlid tank calculator to calculate how many mbuna cichlids to house in your tank.
How Often to Change the Water of Yellow Lab Cichlid Aquarium?
Yellow Lab cichlid aquarium water should be changed weekly. Change 25% of water weekly. It’s important to keep up with water changes to maintain good water quality.
What to Feed Yellow Lab Cichlid (Labidochromis caeruleus)
Yellow Lab cichlids (Labidochromis caeruleus) are carnivores. In the wild, they feed on aufwuchs. Aufwuchs are algae that grows on rocks. They also feed on little insects and mites. Feed your Yellow Lab cichlids pellets. Be careful, don’t overfeed your Yellow Lab cichlids, they may develop digestive issues.
How to Breed Yellow Lab Cichlid
Yellow Lab Mbuna cichlids are mouth brooders. The eggs are laid in caves and then scooped up by the female. She then incubates and carries them for 25 to 35 days. Even after the cichlid fry are free swimming, if there is danger or at night, the mother cichlid will keep her babies in her mouth for safety. Mouth brooding Yellow Lab Mbuna cichlids can be bred at home with ideal water conditions and aquarium set up.
Below is an infograph showing step by step the breeding process of Yellow Lab cichlids.
How to Tell Male and Female Yellow Lab Apart?
Male and female yellow labs are extremely difficult to tell apart. The only way to tell them apart is to pick it up and vent (look at the genitals) to know for sure. That is why when you are breeding Yellow Lab cichlids, you should start off with 5-8 yellow lab cichlids and watch them pair up.
What are the Other Names of Yellow Lab Cichlids?
Yellow Lab cichlid is also called Lemon Yellow Lab, Electric Yellow or Yellow Prince.
Infographic of Labidochromis Cichlid
Below you will find an infographic of Labidochromis cichlids. At a glance you will find basic facts and how to care for your Labidochromis cichlid.
You May Also be Interested in Mbuna Cichlids