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 labrador, lemon drop cichlid, or yellow prince, 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 wowed cichlid hobbyists. Breeding Labidochromis caeruleus is likely to be one of the most personally and financially rewarding endeavors you undertake as an African Cichlid hobbyist. They are one of the easiest fish to breed, as long as you follow these three simple tips.
Step 1. Make sure you have one male and at least one female! No, this is not just a joke. The most common problem I encounter when helping people in their effort 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 keep all the fish 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, the males generally have stronger colors, particularly the black on their ventral fins. Males are also more likely to have a vertical eye bar (less common in females) and have grown larger than females. Males are also more likely to behave in a dominant manner, chasing others away to let them know who is boss of the territory. That said, Labidochromis caeruleus is one of the least territorial of the Mbuna species. The males will also dance to woo the ladies. This dance consists of 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 not likely to chase other fish without provocation. However, they will sometimes give the males a bit of a chase if they are not interested in their attention at that particular time…which is always entertaining to watch!
Step 2. Regular changes of water and high-quality food. Regular water changes will help keep the water quality high. Also, a cold water change will lower the tank temperature by one or two degrees, simulating a rainwater input into the water system (as would occur in Lake Malawi). This is often 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 allow your fish to stay 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. Electric yellow maternal mouth brooders, meaning they carry the eggs in their mouths 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 the first chance they get). That’s why it’s a good idea to separate the mother into her own tank before the fry are free-swimming. Alternatively, you can remove the eggs from the mother’s mouth and incubate them in an artificial egg cup until they are free-swimming, or remove the fry at about three weeks when they are free-swimming but not yet released by the mother.
