Add a Splash of Yellow with these Popular African Cichlids

1. Electric Yellow Cichlid

From the name of the Electric Yellow Cichlid, you might guess that it is bold and vibrant in color. It also happens to be the most popular yellow African Cichlid today! Originating from the warm waters of Lake Malawi in Africa, this is a smaller species usually growing to a maximum of 4” in length. Depending on the number you have in a single tank, it is recommended that you do not exceed six of these smaller fish in a 30-gallon tank, with a temperature of around 75-degrees Fahrenheit, and a pH level between 7.2-8.8.

2. Williamsi Makonde Blue Lips

The Williamsi Makonde Blue Lips Cichlid is not just a pop of yellow, but also brings a fascinating bright blue striping to the mix! The males exhibit this unique striping, while the female Blue Lips Cichlid is a brown-yellow color. This Cichlid is a bit bigger, growing up to 7” in length, typically, and they require more space. They like warm water with a pH of around 7.5-8.4, which replicates their Lake Malawi origin. Feed these lovely yellow Cichlids flake or pellet food that is low in protein.

3. Daktari Yellow Acei

The Daktari Yellow Acei brings a burst of yellow to the tank- plus, check out the unique black tips on the dorsal fin of the male fish. The females are also yellow, though less vibrant than the males and a bit smaller in size. These fish typically grow no bigger than 5” long- and a 30-gallon tank of warm 74-82 degrees Fahrenheit and a pH of 7.5-8.4 is perfect for about six of these smaller Cichlids.

Be warned- these fish do not cohabitate well with fish that feature the same coloring. For this reason, if you are going with male Daktari in your tank, do not add other yellow fish. Feed these Cichlids a low protein flake fish food.

4. Benga Yellow Peacock

The Benga Yellow Peacock is smaller than other Peacock Cichlids, about 4-5” in length typically. The bright yellow is accentuated with spots of blue, giving it a distinctive appearance in a tank. Though it is often called by other names, the Benga Yellow Peacock is a popular species of Cichlids from Lake Malawi in Africa, thriving in warm water around 74-82 degrees Fahrenheit with a sandy substrate bottom. These fish are easy to breed, and buyers should find captive bred Peacock Cichlids widely available.

5. Sunshine Yellow Peacock

Though it closely resembles the Benga Yellow Peacock, the Sunshine Yellow Peacock is an entirely different Cichlid. The first distinction is their size; the Sunshine Yellow Peacock is larger than the Benga, usually growing up to 7” in length. The yellow body and unique, pearlized blue coloring on the face of the fish set them apart. It is suggested that aquarists plan on a habitat that is at least 75-gallons to prevent territorialism in the tank.

6. Metriaclima sp. Msobo

The female of the species Metriaclima sp. Msobo, are a striking yellow but the males grow out of the yellow coloring and turn blue. This type of Cichlid only grows to around 5” max, and just like other Cichlids from Lake Malawi, Africa, these fish do best in warm water with pH around 7.5 and 8.5. This Cichlid likes to dig around in the sandy bottom of their habitat so provide plenty of substrate- at least three inches- and secure rocks well. This species does best on a diet of spirulina flakes or pellets, with an occasional brine shrimp as a treat.