Pets

Breeding Labidochromis Caeruleus (Electric Yellow Cichlids): Three Easy Steps to Success

Breeding labidochromis caeruleus

The electric yellow cichlid (labidochromis caeruleus), also known as the yellow lab cichlid, lemon drop or yellow prince cichlid, is one of the most popular African cichlids among aquarium hobbyists. There are actually several color morphs of labidochromis caeruleus, however it is the electric yellows that have captivated cichlid fans. Breeding Labidochromis caeruleus is likely to be one of the most personally and financially rewarding endeavors you undertake as an African cichlid hobbyist. It is one of the easiest fish to raise, as long as you follow these three simple tips.

Step 1. Make sure you have a male and at least one female! No, this is not just a joke. The most common problem I find when helping people in their endeavor to breed Labidochromis caeruleus is that they have two males. In fact, it is better to have three or four females for every male. This helps all the fish to stay healthy and happy. It will also keep aggression low.

Sometimes it can be difficult to tell the difference between electric yellow males and females. In short, males generally have stronger colors, particularly black on their ventral fins. Males are also more likely to have a vertical bar across the eyes (less common in females) and have grown longer than females. Males are also more likely to behave in a dominant manner, driving others away to let them know who is the boss of the territory. That said, labidochromis caeruleus is one of the less territorial Mbuna species. The males will also dance to woo the ladies. This dance involves swimming in front of the female, stopping, and then turning somewhere between vertical and horizontal for a few seconds.

Females are more likely to have yellow on their ventral fins and are unlikely to chase other fish without provocation. However, they will sometimes give the males a bit of a chase if they aren’t interested in their attention at that particular moment … which is always entertaining to watch!

Step 2. Regular high-quality food and water changes. Regular water changes will help keep the water quality high. Additionally, a cold water change will lower the tank temperature by one or two degrees, simulating an influx of rain into the water system (as would occur in Lake Malawi). This is usually the trigger for the female to accept the male’s invitation and begin the spawning process. Feeding your high-quality electric yellows without hormones or unnatural color enhancements will keep your fish healthy and vibrant, which will promote breeding among your cichlids.

Step 3. Keep the fry safe! Once your labidochromis caeruleus has spawned, you will notice that it is carrying the eggs in its mouth. Maternal mouthbrooders are electric yellow, which means they carry the eggs in their mouth for at least three weeks to keep them safe. Once the fry are free swimming, the mother will let them out. However, this can be bad if the mother is still in the same tank as the other fish (which will eat the fry at the earliest opportunity). This is why it is a good idea to separate the mother in her own tank before the fry swim freely. Alternatively, you can remove the eggs from the mother’s mouth and raise them in an artificial egg container until they are free swimming, or peel the fry at about the three-week point when they are free swimming, but the mother has not released them yet. .

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