is this a yellow lab cichlid?

[markida_4]

I've got a friend who's got some cichlids, or at least she thinks that's what they are. I'm gonna be getting some soon, but I figured I'd do some research first. These ones are a few months old and they look a lot like yellow labs or electric cichlids, but without the black. They're all yellow with some having one or two white spots on their back fin - it's part of their coloring and pretty large, not ick or anything. Does that sound right to you guys? She said the mom kept them in her mouth, but I didn't see it for myself. If they are the ones I think they are, what other fish can I put in with them? I was thinking of getting a few angels - can I mix africans with new world ones, or do I need to stick with the same type? It's a 55-gallon tank, and I'm pretty new to tropicals - I've had livebearers and gouramis before, but that's about it. Any advice would be awesome, thanks.

[thinfin]

I'd advise against keeping African Cichlids with angels, they're just too aggressive and territorial. One species will dominate the other, and unfortunately, the Cichlids would likely bully the angels. If you're interested in learning more about different Cichlid species, I've got a link in my signature to an African Cichlid Index that might be helpful.

[markida_4]

I'm looking for some other fish to go with these cichlids, maybe some different colors to mix it up. Are there any peaceful ones that would work well in a 55 gallon tank with them?

[thinfin]

If you're looking for a cichlid that could coexist with angels, rams might be a decent option. They're generally less aggressive than other cichlids, so they might be able to hold their own with the angels.

[creekdwlr]

You've got a few options for tankmates with angels. Apistogramma, for instance, get along just fine with them. Discus are another good choice - they're pretty chill with angels. If your tank's the right size, kribs might work out too. Keyholes are also a good fit. There are plenty of other fish that'll coexist with angels, but when it comes to labs, you're pretty much limited to other Africans.

[markida_4]

I'm still trying to figure out what kind of fish I can put with my yellow cichlids. I don't think they're the yellow lab cichlids, I saw some at Petsmart today and they're about the same size as the ones I'm getting, but those ones already have a black stripe starting on their top fin. Mine don't have any sign of a black stripe, so I'm not sure what to do. Can anyone help?

[creekdwlr]

Could they be Leleupi?

[markida_4]

I think I found a pic of what my fish look like - they have vertical stripes of a lighter yellow. If I did it right, here's a link to what they look like, minus the black. My link Maybe this one will work.

[creekdwlr]

That's probably a Yellow Lab - no, wait, you said no black, so maybe not.

[markida_4]

I'm pretty sure the one in the picture is a Yellow Lab, but mine don't have that black stripe on the fins. I'm thinking maybe it's because they're still young. I've been watching them for a bit now and I don't see any signs of that darker stripe starting to show up.