Keeping electric yellow cichlids happy and healthy.
Keeping electric yellow cichlids happy and healthy.
Hey everyone, I just got back from my LFS and I'm totally smitten with this Electric Yellow Cichlid I saw. So I'm curious, what's the best way to care for these little guys? @coltin and @boomer, I know you both have tons of experience with different species, so I thought I'd pick your brains - how do I keep my new friend happy and healthy? I think they max out at around 5 inches, right?
Re: Keeping electric yellow cichlids happy and healthy.
This Electric Yellow Cichlid you're interested in is likely Labidochromis caeruleus, given the common name can be misleading. To keep it properly, you'll need hard water with a basic pH. It's not suitable for housing with other fish except those from the African rift lakes.
I'll leave the specifics to the cichlid experts, as my knowledge of rift lake fish is limited beyond the basics. Some of these fish can be quite aggressive, others require a group, and they generally need larger tanks.
I'll leave the specifics to the cichlid experts, as my knowledge of rift lake fish is limited beyond the basics. Some of these fish can be quite aggressive, others require a group, and they generally need larger tanks.
Re: Keeping electric yellow cichlids happy and healthy.
You've got boomer passing the buck, now I'm curious - who's the real cichlid guru around here?
Re: Keeping electric yellow cichlids happy and healthy.
I'm no cichlid expert, but I've had my fair share over the years. What I can tell you is that cichlids are incredibly fascinating to keep, especially when it comes to their breeding and parenting habits - it's truly captivating to watch. The fry are relatively easy to care for, as most will readily accept BBS from the start. However, it's essential to remember that cichlids are naturally aggressive, and during breeding season, they can become quite territorial and may even attack their tankmates. In my experience, most cichlids do best when kept solo. As for water conditions, the tap water in the U.S. is often suitable for Rift Lake cichlids, but I've always been a strong proponent of species-only tanks. I've seen tanks with multiple Malawi cichlid species, but something about it never sat right with me - the fish seemed off, almost "funny" in a weird way. Despite my reservations, I highly recommend giving cichlids a try - every serious aquarist will eventually be drawn to them.
Re: Keeping electric yellow cichlids happy and healthy.
So I'm really drawn to this Electric Yellow Cichlid, and I'm curious, what size tank would be a good fit for it? From what you guys have said, I'm guessing it's not a small tank, right?
Re: Keeping electric yellow cichlids happy and healthy.
Electric Yellow Cichlids, or Labidochromis caeruleus, require a tank that's at least 3 feet in length. You can actually keep a group of them, 4 or more depending on the tank size, and they're prolific breeders.
They're surprisingly peaceful for a cichlid, hailing from Lake Malawi in Africa, which has a GH of around 300ppm and a pH above 7.6. These are mouth brooders, with the females holding eggs in their buccal pouch while they develop. The females will also allow the babies to swim back into their mouth for a few weeks after they're born.
The babies can be fed on newly hatched brineshrimp as soon as they're free swimming. For tankmates, you can keep them with peaceful Rift Lake cichlids, bigger rainbowfish, and some Synodontis catfish - Synodontis multipunctatus are commonly kept with them. Feed them a varied diet that includes plenty of plant matter.
They're surprisingly peaceful for a cichlid, hailing from Lake Malawi in Africa, which has a GH of around 300ppm and a pH above 7.6. These are mouth brooders, with the females holding eggs in their buccal pouch while they develop. The females will also allow the babies to swim back into their mouth for a few weeks after they're born.
The babies can be fed on newly hatched brineshrimp as soon as they're free swimming. For tankmates, you can keep them with peaceful Rift Lake cichlids, bigger rainbowfish, and some Synodontis catfish - Synodontis multipunctatus are commonly kept with them. Feed them a varied diet that includes plenty of plant matter.
Re: Keeping electric yellow cichlids happy and healthy.
You know what, it's time to take the leap and get a bigger tank. I'm thinking at least 55 gallons, but honestly, a 75 would be perfect for these Electric Yellow Cichlids. I'm no expert, but I've heard that cichlids need some serious space to thrive. And let's be real, that Kentucky water of yours sounds like it'd be a great match for a Malawi setup - all that limestone and whatnot. Just think about it, you could be enjoying the world of cichlids in no time.
Re: Keeping electric yellow cichlids happy and healthy.
Yeah, I wish. Thanks for the info @coltin. What's the minimum tank size in gallons for these Electric Yellows?
Re: Keeping electric yellow cichlids happy and healthy.
I don't bother with gallons, to be honest. The Electric Yellow Cichlids need some space, so a tank that's at least 3 foot long is a must - that way they've got room for their own little territories. The width and height aren't as crucial, just as long as it's not some tiny, cramped space. You could have a tank that's 3 ft long, 2 ft wide, and 2 ft high, or one that's 3 ft long, 14 inches wide, and 18 inches high - it's all about giving them some room to move around and claim their own space.
Re: Keeping electric yellow cichlids happy and healthy.
Well, I guess the Electric Yellow Cichlid is gonna have to wait, time to cut back on the snacks for now.