The Lake Malawi’s most beautiful and peaceful cichlids, the electric yellow cichlids, are among the best. It’s not difficult to breed them. They are very popular among beginners. Electric yellow labs were my first cichlids.
The pair was actually made up of two females, and that wasn’t intentional. I had hoped to breed them and raise tiny fry to give them to my mother.
These bright yellow fish make it almost impossible to distinguish a male and a female. Sexual dimorphism is minimal. Bright yellow hues are seen in both males and women.
Over the years I have learned subtle differences.
Let’s take a look at the top distinguishing factors!
Is My Electric Yellow Cichlid Male Or Female?
Electric yellow cichlids have larger males and more intense colors than their female counterparts. Females also have more pointed and pigmented fins than males. However, their fins are rounder and lighter in color. Females lack the black spots and coloration that are present in males.
Size
These dwarf Cichlids seldom grow more than 5 inches. The male is typically the larger of the two.
The male electric yellow cichlids measure approximately 4-5 inches in length, while the females are only 2-3 inches.
They are almost identical heightwise.
Color
Both males, as well as females, are bright yellow. Although they look similar at first glance, the male is more vibrant than the female.
For example, dominant males are almost able to display deep gold colors.
The male cichlids also have black bellies while the females have lighter, sometimes even white, bellies. Males also have black outlining on their fins and a dark chin. These features are absent in females.
Vertical Stripes
As they age, older males will develop faint vertical charcoal stripes. However, they are absent in females.
Fin Shape
A yellow lab, like most male cichlids has anal and dorsal fins. These fins are more blunt in females, however.
Egg Spots and Fin Color
Males’ ventral and anal fins are jet black, while females’ are pale yellow. The anal fins of males also have light egg spots that are absent in females.
Behavior
The male electric yellow cichlid can be more assertive than the females. If a particular cichlid swims around the tank more aggressively and chases/bullies others, it is most likely a male.
Females tend to be more reserved than males.
Vents
Venting the fish might be necessary if you are still not sure about the sex of the Cichlid. Males have anus and vent that are equal in size. A female, on the other hand will have a larger vent than the anus.
It is important to vent the fish gently, as it can become stressful for both of you.
Here’s a quick guide to properly venting electric yellow Cichlids.
How To Vent Electric Yellow Cichlids Correctly?
Step 1 – Prepare the Bucket
Fill a bucket half a gallon with water from your tank. To avoid shock, it is important that the tank water be used. You can use the bucket as a playpen to keep your fish safe while you check the vents.
Step 2 – Identify Vent’s Location
Before you examine the fish, make sure that you have identified the vent’s location. The anal fin is the closest fin to the tail. This fin can be used to locate the fin. The vents are located right above the anal Fins.
Step 3 – Transfer Fish
Gently catch the fish with a net. Then, transfer it to the bucket. You should be patient as they can become very stressed out at this stage. It is impossible to check their vents if you are not careful. It can be frustrating, but don’t lose heart.
Step 4 – Check Vents
Use your thumb and index fingers to gently hold the fish on its sides. Slowly place the head in the water. Check the vents. At your convenience, transfer the fish to the bucket or tank.
For each fish, repeat steps 1 through 4.
How to Breed Electric Yellow Cichlids?
After 6 months of hatching, female electric yellow cichlids are ready to reproduce. They usually reach about 5-6 cm in size. To attract potential females, the mating ritual starts with dancing and shivering movements from the male.
The tank is also a place where a male cichlid can actively search for suitable breeding sites. They will often dig pits in sandy areas, as they do in the wild. He may opt to dig a pit in sand, or hollow out gravel for his nest.
After the female consents to reproduce and the site is approved, she will lay her eggs. The male will fertilize the eggs and the female will scoop the eggs into her mouth. If the female doesn’t leave the egg scoop immediately, the male will chase it away in an effort to attract more females and increase his lineage.
The eggs will be kept by the female in a buccal cavity under the jaw until hatching. The eggs can take up to 3 weeks before they hatch into free-swimming fry.
They hatch into miniature versions their parents and receive very little or no parental care. If there is danger, the mother will scoop up all her tiny fry and put them in her mouth.
If you’re serious about raising fry and breeding them, you can transfer the gravid-mouthbrooding mothers to an incubator tank. For successful breeding electric yellow labs, the best ratio of males to females is one male to every three to four.
The Right Water Parameters For Electric Yellow Cichlids
The northern region of Lake Malawi is home to electric yellow cichlids. The lake water is alkaline and hard, but yellow labs can survive in comparatively soft waters.
Let’s say that the water is too soft in your area. You can purchase rift lake salts to increase the pH level of the water and add minerals that will help these fish thrive.
| Aquarium Size | 40 gallons per fish |
| School Size | 1 male, 2-4 female |
| Water Temperature | 75-79degF (24-26degC) |
| pH Level | 7.5-8.5 |
| General Hardness | 15-20 GH |
Final Words: Is My Electric Yellow Cichlid Male Or Female?
It can be difficult to distinguish a male from a woman with electric yellow cichlids, as they have little sexual dimorphism.
First, males tend to be larger and more intensely colored that females. You should also look out for signs such as pointed or blunt fins and the presence or absence egg spots.
You might consider venting if all else fails. To ensure that you don’t stress your fish, make sure you follow the steps.
Happy reading!