Electric yellows ("Labidochromis caeruleus"), are a type of cichlids that are popular among aquarium enthusiasts for their brilliant - you guessed it - yellow colour.
While highly attractive, they're not the easiest cichlid to keep. If you're interested in keeping Yellows safe and happy, here are a few tips to help you ensure their well-being:
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Provide proper housing: Electric yellows can easily grow to 4 inches in length, so they're best kept in a well-maintained aquarium of at least 30-50 gallons, with a good filtration system.
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Maintain water quality: Regular water changes and testing are important to maintain good water quality and prevent the buildup of harmful chemicals. Aim to change about 30% (or more) of the water every 2-3 weeks.
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Provide a balanced diet: Electric yellows are omnivores and require a balanced diet of both meaty and vegetable-based foods. Offer a variety of foods, such as frozen or live brine shrimp, krill, and bloodworms, as well as dried pellets and flakes. Spirulina flakes and earthworms will make their colour even more vibrant!
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Provide hiding spots: Electric yellows tend to be timid, and need plenty of hiding spots to feel secure and reduce stress. You can provide caves, rocks, or other structures for them to hide in.
- Introduce friends: Adding some more gregarious fish, such as blue dolphins ("cyrtocara moorii") can help the Yellows overcome their shyness.
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Keep the right temperature: Electric yellows prefer a temperature range of 76-82°F.
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Provide adequate lighting: Electric yellows need moderate lighting, for a photoperiod of 8-12 hours per day.
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Avoid overcrowding: Overcrowding can lead to aggression and stress among electric yellows. It's important to provide enough space for each fish to have its own territory. A general rule of thumb is no more than 1 inch of fish per gallon of tank.
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Keep an eye on aggression: Electric yellows can become aggressive, especially when breeding. Keep an eye on their behavior and separate them if necessary to prevent fights. If you're planning to breed, only 1 or 2 males are needed, but introduce multiple females.
By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to keeping healthy and happy electric yellows in your aquarium, and your guests will marvel at the beauty they bring to your tank!