labidochromis caeruleus Electric Yellow

[Kushka4paws]

one of my lfs's told me this was a dwarf cichlid... I was wondering if I could get some info on this fish. I couldn't seem to locate it on Apistogramma.com. I love the color! But, am not sure if it is in fact a dwarf & would do well in a 20 gal.

 

[Alex]

L caeruleus are not dwarfs. They get to about 6" with tail. You might be able to have a few in a 20 for a year or two but then you would need to get them something larger. I have 1 adult and 4 almost adult in a 55g and they seem comfortable. They also like caves.

Alex

 

[Kushka4paws]

Ok, thanks glad that I asked! I don't want to get something that is going to outgrow my tank & it be miserable!

 

[tjudy]

L caeruleus are not dwarfs. They get to about 6" with tail.

Labidochromis do grow larger than what is typically considered to be a dwarf, but the genus as a whole is a smaller-growing mbuna from Lake Malawi. Combine that with teh fact that they will spawn at sigificantly smaller sizes, and I think that it is safe to describe them as 'dwarf'... especially when comparing them to other Malawi fish.

The species breeds better in larger groups than in trios or pairs (IME). A twenty would be too small for a colony of six or more.