Yellow Lab – Labidochromis Caeruleus

Common name: Yellow Lab

Scientific name: Labidochromis Caeruleus

Average Adult Fish Size: 10cm / 4 Inches

Place of Origin: Lake Malawi

Typical Tank setup: Rocky Malawi tank

Recommended Minimum Aquarium Capacity: 30 gallon / 120 litre

Compatibility: Combine with other mbuna species, not overly aggressive

Temperature: 23-28 Deg C / 73-82 Deg F

Water chemistry:  pH 7.6-8.6

Feeding: Small crustaceans and insect larvae, will accept most aquarium foods. More omnivorous than many mbuna, but the diet should still include a vegetable component.

Sexing: There is no obvious colour difference between males and females, but males may show more black on the fins, particularly the ventral fins. Dominant males will tend to be a brighter yellow, but both females and sub-dominant males may appear duller in colour, as well as exhibiting less black on the fins. Males may also exhibit a brownish patch in the area between the eye and mouth.

Breeding: Mouthbrooder. There is no defined territory for spawning.

Additional Information: One of the most commonly kept and easily recognized of the Malawi mbuna. This species is not overly aggressive, and should mix well with other low to medium aggression mbuna, or even smaller ‘haps’ in large enough tanks.