Electric Yellow Lab

• ExerciseModerate

  An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• GroomingEasy tank upkeep

  No grooming here — steady water quality and routine tank care do it.

• Living spaceNano-tank friendly

  Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Owner experienceSome experience helps

  A little know-how makes life smoother.

• Commitment6–10 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Ich (white spot) · Fin rot · Skin conditions

The electric yellow lab (Labidochromis caeruleus) is a mbuna cichlid endemic to the rocky shores of Lake Malawi in East Africa's Rift Valley. It grows to about 8–10 cm and lives 6–10 years. Its vivid, even canary-yellow colour and relatively calm temperament make it the most popular of all Malawi cichlids. As a Rift Lake fish it needs hard, alkaline water quite unlike most aquarium species: a pH of 7.6–8.8 and a temperature of 24–28°C in a tank of 200 litres or more. Aquascape with plenty of rock piles and caves to define territories, over a sandy substrate; plants are largely ignored or eaten. Keep them in groups so aggression is spread out. Electric yellows are omnivores that lean herbivorous and should be fed a spirulina- or vegetable-based cichlid pellet — too much protein causes the deadly digestive condition known as Malawi bloat. Among the mildest mbuna, they still have a cichlid's boldness and are best kept with other robust Rift species. Watch for bloat and ich; hard, clean water and a low-protein diet keep them thriving.

• How active is a Electric Yellow Lab?

  Moderate. An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• How much maintenance does a Electric Yellow Lab need?

  Easy tank upkeep. No grooming here — steady water quality and routine tank care do it.

• What tank size does a Electric Yellow Lab need?

  Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Is a Electric Yellow Lab a good fit for first-time owners?

  Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

• How long do Electric Yellow Lab live?

  6–10 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Electric Yellow Lab?

  Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Fin rot, Skin conditions. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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