Species · GBIF taxon 2371661
Electric Yellow Cichlid
Labidochromis caeruleusAlso known as Lemon Yellow Lab, Blue Streak Hap, Yellow Prince, Electric Yellow Lab
Electric yellow cichlids thrive in the wave-washed, rocky reefs of Lake Malawi, where they pick through algal mats and small crevices for food. Females practice maternal mouthbrooding, holding fertilized eggs and newly hatched fry in their mouths for up to three weeks to protect them from predators. Unlike many aggressive Mbuna cichlids, they exhibit a remarkably docile temperament, making them a favorite in both wild reefs and home aquariums.
FreshwaterMouthbrooderColorful
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Aquatic insects
- Small crustaceans
- Snails
Predators
- Predatory catfish
- Large cichlids
- Water birds
ThreatsLocal overcollection for the pet trade and habitat alteration
HabitatsSubmerged rocky reefs and boulder fields in Lake Malawi
Life span6–10 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderPerciformes
- FamilyCichlidae
- GenusLabidochromis
- SpeciesLabidochromis caeruleus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Wild Observation: Watch for their vivid yellow bodies contrasting against dark underwater rock faces.
- Aquarium Care: Provide abundant rock caves and maintain alkaline water parameters matching Lake Malawi.
Frequent Companion (c) Cymothoa exigua, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative lee Nachtigal / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Maha Dinesh, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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