Electric Yellow Lab

Labidochromis caeruleus

Also sold as Electric yellow cichlid

Synonyms Yellow lab · Yellow labidochromis

Electric Yellow Lab (Labidochromis caeruleus) is a semi-aggressive freshwater fish that reaches about 10 cm (3.9 in) and swims in open water. It wants 75–82°F (24–28°C) and pH 7.7–8.6, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 154 L (41 gal).

At a glance

Type	Fish
Adult size	10 cm (3.9 in)
Minimum tank	154 L (41 gal)
Group size	Can be kept singly
Temperature	75–82°F (24–28°C)
pH	7.7–8.6
Temperament	Semi-aggressive
Lifespan	8–10 years
Eats shrimp	Yes

Before it goes in

Electric Yellow Lab needs at least 154 L (41 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the Juwel Rio 180.
It eats small fish and shrimp — anything under about 3.5 cm (1.4 in). In this library that means Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Red Shrimp and Bamboo Shrimp.
It is the wrong size to share a tank with Oscar, Clown Loach and Iridescent Shark: it ends up as food.
It holds at 75–82°F (24–28°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Goldfish and Dojo Loach.
It is semi-aggressive — plan the tank around it rather than adding it to a finished community.
It eats most plants. Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis' and Bacopa caroliniana will not last with it; tough-leaved Anubias nana 'Petite' and Marimo Moss Ball will.

What tank size does it need?

At least 154 L (41 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the Juwel Rio 180.

Will it eat shrimp?

Yes. Shrimp are food to it, so pick one or the other.

What water does it want?

75–82°F (24–28°C), pH 7.7–8.6.

How long does it live?

8–10 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.

Good tank mates

Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly, Otocinclus and Ramshorn Snail.
Plants that hold up with it: Anubias nana 'Petite', Marimo Moss Ball, Subwassertang and Anubias barteri.

Often compared with

	Electric Yellow Lab	Electric Blue Acara	Golden Wonder Killifish
Adult size	10 cm	15 cm	10 cm
Min tank	154 L	144 L	90 L
Group	1+	1+	1+
Temperature	75–82°F (24–28°C)	72–82°F (22–28°C)	72–77°F (22–25°C)
Eats shrimp	Yes	Yes	Yes

More livestock

Plan a tank with Electric Yellow Lab →

Sources (5) · checked Sep 2026