Cichlid - Gold/Yellow Lab

Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Color Form: Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Water Conditions: 72-82° F, KH 10-15, pH 7.8-8.5
Max. Size: 6"
Family: Cichlidae
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons

A peaceful and shy cichlid compared to other African Cichlids, the Gold Lab still displays distinct social and territorial behaviors. They will act aggressively towards fish of similar body shape and color perceived to be a threat for food and mate. The aquarium should include a sandy bottom, robust plants, caves, and rocks.

The female lays her eggs on the surface of rocks and then scoops them into her mouth where they brood for 18 days before being released.

The Lab will need both meaty foods and greens such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and quality flake or pellet food containing vegetable matter.

You will want to keep an eye on the pH when caring for the yellow labs. They prefer more alkaline waters than other cichlids due to the nature of their origin in Lake Malawi and other parts of East Africa.