Caeruleus Yellow Mbuna

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Labidochromis caeruleus
• Common Name: Electric Yellow Cichlid, Yellow Lab
• Adult Size: 4–5 inches (10–13 cm)
• Life Expectancy: 6–10 years
• Habitat: Native to Lake Malawi, Africa; typically found along the rocky shorelines of the lake, especially in areas with caves and crevices

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons for a small group; 55+ gallons recommended for community setups or larger groups
• Ideal Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• pH Range: 7.8–8.6
• Water Hardness: 10–20 dGH

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive

  • More peaceful than many other Mbuna cichlids
  • Best kept in groups of one male with several females to reduce aggression
  • Can be kept with other peaceful to moderately aggressive Lake Malawi species

Diet & Nutrition

• Omnivorous: Yes
  • Feeds well on high-quality cichlid pellets and flakes
  • Supplement with spirulina, blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, peas), and occasional frozen foods like brine shrimp
  • Avoid excessive protein or fatty foods to reduce risk of Malawi bloat

Appearance

• Bright, neon-yellow body with contrasting black edges on the dorsal and sometimes anal and pelvic fins
• Slender, torpedo-shaped body with smooth lines
• Both sexes are yellow, but males may develop slightly more vivid coloration and subtle blueish hues under certain lighting or during breeding

Distinctive Features

• One of the most peaceful Mbuna cichlids, making it ideal for beginners
• Famous for its vivid yellow coloration that adds striking contrast in cichlid tanks
• Displays mild sexual dimorphism, but males and females can be hard to tell apart without close inspection
• Mouthbrooder: females incubate fertilized eggs in their mouths until fry are released (~3 weeks)
• Hardy and adaptable, but still needs stable water conditions typical of Lake Malawi species