Species profile
Yellow Lab Cichlid
Labidochromis caeruleus
Semi aggressive
Easy care
180 L minimum aquarium
8–12.5 cm adult size
Mid bottom
Minimum group: 5
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
One of the milder mbuna, but still a territorial Lake Malawi cichlid. Maintain hard alkaline water, strong filtration and rockwork with many broken sightlines.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–26 °C
pH
7.5–8.5
GH
Up to 25 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate–high
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 5
Tank zone
Mid bottom
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Tiny fry
Bioload factor
2.5
Best maintained as one male with several females rather than a pair. Avoid similar-looking rival males and delicate community fish.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Caution
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
180 L
Minimum footprint
90 × 40 cm
Accepted scientific name
Labidochromis caeruleus
Alternative names
Electric Yellow Cichlid, Yellow Lab
Native range
Endemic to Lake Malawi, East Africa.
Natural habitat
Rock-associated Malawi habitat. Provide stable rock piles/caves, open feeding space, high oxygen and consistently low dissolved waste.
Diet & feeding
Unlike strongly grazing mbuna, this species takes substantial invertebrate prey. Use a balanced Malawi/cichlid diet with quality pellets and restrained frozen foods.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Sexing colour alone is unreliable in yellow aquarium forms. Mature males may be larger/darker in fin markings; venting is the most dependable method.
Breeding
Maternal mouthbrooder. Male courts females in his territory; the female incubates fertilised eggs and releases developed fry.