Yellow labido

Yellow labido

Labidochromis caeruleus

MAINTENANCE: EASY / CARE: EASY / REPRODUCTION: EASY / COST: EXPENSIVE

This is the most popular fish in Lake Malawi and has become the main attraction in the aquariums of those who specialise in cichlidae. Sparkling yellow and having a particularly peaceful behaviour for a cichlid, this fish has everything going for it!

Map of Lake Malawi in East Africa

FACT SHEET

Scientific name: Labidochromis caeruleus. Map of Lake Malawi in East Africa. Common name: Yellow labido. Family: Cichlidae. Origin: Lake Malawi, East Africa. Natural habitat: Lives near fallen rocks covered with algae, between 10 and 20 m deep. Size: From 10 to 15 cm. Sexual differences: The male is more solid; the dominant ones display black areas on their heads. Behaviour: Calm and non-aggressive.

 

Contrary to its species name, caeruleus meaning blue, the labido's yellow attire inevitably attracts attention in the aquariums of those fascinated by Lake Malawi. Why yellow and not blue? The type of species collected in the lake in 1935 was actually blue. Later, yellow spotted specimen having the same physical characteristics were discovered at Lions Cove. A white variety also exists, rarely exported, and living at Nkhata Bay.

In the aquarium

Maintenance of this fish belonging to the mbuna group, which notably includes the fiery Pseudotropheus, does not pose any problems. A minimum volume of 300 litres is a good quantity for a group of three or four L caeruleus and five to seven other average-sized Malawi cichlidae, such as Labeotropheus, Cyrtocara or Aulonocara. A more spacious tank is obviously preferable and in 800 litres five pairs of labidos live together without any problems with a pair or trio (one male and two females) of each of the above-mentioned genus. A trio of one of the large species, for example the Fossorochromis rostratus will guarantee even more of a show, while allowing the aquarist to decorate the tank with plants like Anubias or Cryptocoryne aponogetifolia.

Feeding

In the lake, the yellow labido essentially feeds on vegetation of short thread­like algae which cover the rocks and are commonly called Aufwusch. In the aquarium, its diet is primarily vegetable, blanched lettuce and spinach. A preparation of shrimps and mussels mixed in with these vegetables guarantees a good basis. As an alternative, it is good to give flake food, granules or frozen Artemia (small salt lake shrimps). Avoid bloodworms which are likely to provoke digestive problems.

Reproduction

In order to capture a female, it is quite common to see two or three males going incessantly around in circles, in a non-aggressive manner. The dominant male attracts the broody female and, by wriggling around her, invites her to spawn. This act takes place on the bare floor without a need for gravel or sand. With each emission of ova, the male returns presenting his anal fin. On some males this is adorned with one or several markings which resemble eggs. The female, deceived in this way, snatches up the milt (semen).

The eggs are fertilised and immediately taken into the female's mouth. From 10 to 40 fry, depending on the age and size of the females, will be born at the end of about three weeks. Once released, it is rare to see the female take them back into her mouth to protect them. Feed the young quickly with Artemia nauplii or mussel flesh as a base. As with all mbunas, they grow rapidly.

Life In the aquarium
Maintenance	An aquarium in the region of 200 litres. Count on 100 litres per pair.
PH	From 7.8 to 8.5.
Water hardness	From 15 to 30 dH.
Temperature	Ideally from 23 to 26°C.
Changing the water	20% per month.
Food	Essentially a vegetable base, accepts flakes or granules. Avoid bloodworms.
Reproduction	The female incubates the eggs.
Compatibility	Keep with other calm cichlidae.
Life expectancy	From 5 to 7 years.
Comments	Likes plants.

 

Group of young labidos waiting for their meal.