About Electric Yellow Cichlid

The Electric Yellow Cichlid, also known as the Yellow Lab, is the most popular beginner mbuna from Lake Malawi. Their brilliant lemon-yellow coloration makes them stand out in any aquarium. They are among the most peaceful mbuna species and can be a good introduction to African cichlids. However, they still require hard, alkaline water and should be kept with other mbuna in an appropriately stocked tank. They are herbivores that graze on algae and need a vegetable-heavy diet to prevent Malawi bloat.

Care Guide

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

Yellow Labs need typical mbuna setup with rock work.

Essential Setup:

  • 30+ gallons minimum
  • 55+ gallons recommended
  • Rock piles and caves
  • Aragonite sand
  • Strong filtration (8-10x turnover)
  • Temperature 76-82°F
  • pH 7.8-8.6

Water Quality

  • Temperature: 76-82°F (24-28°C)
  • pH: 7.8-8.6
  • Water Hardness: Hard (10-25 dGH)
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: <20 ppm

Feeding

Herbivores requiring vegetable matter:

  • Spirulina-based pellets
  • Herbivore flakes
  • Vegetables: blanched spinach, peas
  • Frozen foods: occasional

Preventing Malawi Bloat:

  • Feed primarily vegetable matter
  • Avoid high-protein foods
  • Include fiber
  • Feed sinking pellets

Behavior & Compatibility

Most peaceful mbuna:

  • Semi-aggressive: For a mbuna
  • Territorial: Defend caves
  • Harem: 1 male to 3-4 females
  • Community: With other mbuna

Compatible With:

  • Other mbuna
  • Rusty cichlids
  • Johannii
  • Other Malawi cichlids

Avoid:

  • Non-cichlids
  • Peaceful community fish

Color Variations

  • Standard: Brilliant yellow
  • **White”: Albino variant
  • Males: More intense color, black fins
  • Females: Bright yellow, less fin color

Breeding

Easy mouthbrooders:

  • Female carries: 18-21 days
  • Spawning: In caves
  • Fry care: Female protects
  • Fast breeders: Produce many fry

Beginner Friendly

Why they are popular:

  • Peaceful: For mbuna
  • Colorful: Brilliant yellow
  • Hardy: Forgive mistakes
  • Available: Every fish store
  • Affordable: Reasonable price

Tips for Success

  • Feed vegetable-heavy diet
  • Keep with other mbuna
  • Overstock to reduce aggression
  • Hard, alkaline water essential
  • Good beginner mbuna
  • Brilliant color display

Compatible Tank Mates

🐠 Mbuna Cichlids
🐠 Other Malawi Cichlids