Electric Yellow 3.5cm

Electric Yellow

The electric yellow cichlid has got to be one of the most popular African cichlids in the world. These fish are found in literally any mixed cichlid display and are loved for their vibrant colour, ease of care, and amazing activity. They really can be enjoyed in a species-only, colony system or a mixed display and get along with a wide range of tank mates as well. Electric yellow cichlids only reach around 10cm as adults and make for a great entry-level African cichlid because they can be kept in smaller aquariums.

The colouration that this species is something that is truly striking as they are just a bold, saturated yellow from head to tail. The face and especially cheek plates can have mild white highlights and an iridescent metallic blue which lightly bleeds out to the body. The main point of contrast is the jet-black rim on the fins which stands out very well on the stocky long body of these cichlids.

This vibrance of yellow is something you don’t see very often in the aquarium hobby and often is just limited to nano fish like yellow guppies. Electric yellows also mostly live in the bottom half
of the aquarium and are a great way to add a splash of colour as most bottom-dwelling species like catfish tend to be bland in colouration. These fish are also incredibly well suited to aquarium conditions whilst also maintaining their wild rock-dwelling behaviours.

Breeding these fish is relatively easy as males can be easily differentiated from females. Male fish will be slenderer in body shape with an abundance of egg spots on the ventral fin whereas females will sport a rounder body. These fish are mouth brooders meaning the female lays eggs which she will then scoop up in her mouth, the eggs then get fertilised by the male. As long as a small colony is kept with a few hiding places, these fish will breed.

Tank Recommendations for your Electric Yellow
As the electric yellow cichlid only reaches around 10 cm, an adult pair of these fish can easily be kept in a tank of around 120 litres. They will however thrive in larger aquariums when kept in a colony of 6 or more. Since these cichlids spend a lot of time near the bottom of the aquarium it is best to ensure there is a decent footprint. Electric yellow cichlids can be territorial, especially during breeding time however their aggression is quite minimal compared to other African cichlids. They should be provided with a plentiful supply of caves for security and just to diffuse the minimal aggression. These are also tropical fish that are best kept at 24-26 degrees with a pH. of 7.0-8.5

Suitable Tank Buddies
The electric yellow cichlid can be kept with a range of other Mbuna species and relatively peaceful African cichlids. Since these fish require a higher PH of around 8 the tank mates chosen should be adaptable to this.

Usually Compatible
Yellow lab cichlids, red zebra cichlids, Malawi peacocks, and smaller-sized hap cichlids.

Sometimes Compatible
Frontosa, larger haps like Malawi trout and other large, semi-aggressive fish.

Rarely Compatible
Aggressive African cichlid species like fuscodichromis and Malawi eye biters. South American cichlids should also be avoided.

Feeding your Electric Yellow
Electric yellow cichlids will take to aquarium foods very easily. They will take a wide range of pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. By giving them a varied diet, it ensures that they have optimal nutrition. The ideal diet would be good quality, small, and slow food, supplemented with green matter like algae flakes or sheets.