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).
Check a freshwater stocking selection with your tank size and animal counts.
Try it in a tank
Put Electric Yellow Lab in a 3D tank at your size and see how it sits with everything else. Free with an account.
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.
Electric Yellow Lab: care and setup
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 |