Labidochromis caeruleus Lifespan?

[Melody]

I keep reading conflicting answers regarding the lifespan of Labidochromis caeruleus, aka 'Electric Yellow Lab'. We've had one (a mutt version) for years now and she's my Son's fish. She's become quite a pet, our Zap, and she really likes that kid (hides when I come around to this day:rolleyes: ). I am hoping we'll have her for a long time yet, but I'd like to know once & for all what their lifespan is. I'm sure the answer is somewhat complicated due to her questionable heritage, but I'll go with what I know.

Thanks!

And for you snobby purists whom I so love to tease...lol....we have never bred her and have no intention of doing so, she's strictly a pet and we love her no matter what she is. No need to put up "Do not buy Cichlids from this breeder" posters or otherwise get your net in a knot :Neener: .

:BOLTS:|

[WaterPond]

I have been doing some reading up on them because i plan on getting a few of them. Most Malawi Mbuna (not thats alliteration for you) can live up to 15 years. I am going to say anywhere from 8-15 years would be the average lifespan for one in captivity with proper tank size, proper water conditions, and some freinds to keep it company (yellow labs are one of the more social Mbuna, should be kept in groups of at least three).

[Melody]

She's not exactly socially inclined - wouldn't even entertain an algae eater...lol...so she gets a 20G all by herself, other than snails. My Son worries that she'll get beat up so he's banned other Cichlids from the tank. I worry that she'd rip them to shreds :wideeyed: . Being a mutt, her needs and aggression levels are in question. I don't think three of them would be good in a 20G - they like their space.

Thanks - I think I've heard anywhere from 5-12 years, hence my confusion.:confused:

[WaterPond]

yeah, a 20gal can only hold one. I would say a 40gallon could hole 3 or 4 though, if you ever want to upgrade. Bigger the better, you know that.

If you have lots of rocks and hidey holes i'd bet you could add another one. If you want to.

[Melody]

Yup, I could probably do two, but I have a feeling someone wouldn't be happy most of the time. I can't even turn on her light - she attacks the glass until her face is black & blue. She has a floating fake fish in there that she beats up just for fun. She's huge - I don't know what else she has in her, but it made her deeper-bodied and I think longer than a normal Lab. She holds eggs quite often and that makes her mean too :wideeyed: .

I wish I had room to have aggressive tanks, but community tanks are more practical. One of these days though!

[fishykisses]

can you post a pic of her? maybe your son can take the pic?

[Melody]

This is her a few years ago:

http://members.linkopp.com/biz/workathome/images/MM-ElectricYellowLab-F-Zap.jpg

This is her attacking the glass when the lights go on:

http://members.linkopp.com/biz/workathome/images/MM-ElectricYellowLab-F-Zap-3.jpg

http://members.linkopp.com/biz/workathome/images/MM-ElectricYellowLab-F-Zap-5.jpg

She's nuts...lol.

She really started beefing up over the past year or so - dunno if that gives anyone a clue or not. A late bloomer I guess.

[CACAdmin]

maybe nuts... but reeeeealy cute!:yes:

[Melody]

She's one of the few fish that I have genuine affection for. I care about the others too of course, but we've become attached to this one on more of a pet level.

[WaterPond]

beautiful fish, very pretty.

[WaterPond]

beautiful fish, very pretty.

I don't know if i want that fish more, or if i want your camera more :laugh:

[Melody]

Thank you - she may be a mutt, but she's not a bad looking creature overall.:smile:

Your camera beats mine hands down - I just get to cheat with design software...lol.