The electric yellow cichlid is a popular freshwater aquarium fish. It is a naturally occurring variant of Labidochromis caeruleus endemic to the central western coastal region of Nkhata Bay in Lake Malawi in East Africa. It is the most popular African cichlid amongst aquarium hobbyists.[1] These fish are mouthbrooders; the female lays her eggs on the surface of rocks and then scoops them into her mouth where they brood for 18 days before being released.
The electric yellow cichlid is set apart from other African cichlids by its striking electric yellow coloration. Mature specimens flaunt contrasting weird black stripes and vertical bars to provide additional visual interest. The electric yellow African cichlid is also known colloquially as the yellow lab or electric yellow lab. Considered a newer species and referred to commercially as Labidochromis tanganicae, this cichlid lives in the waters of Lake Malawi between the islands of Charo and Mbowe. First displayed at Burundi in the early 1980s and exported from there, the electric yellow was mistakenly believed to come from Lake Tanganyika.
A peaceful and shy cichlid compared to other African cichlids, the electric yellow still displays distinct social and territorial behaviors. The electric yellow will act aggressively towards fish of similar body shape and color perceived to be competition for food and mates. The aquarium should include a sandy bottom, caves, and rocks.
