Clown Lab (Labidochromis chisumulae)

Remarks: Clown labs (Labidochromis chisumulae) are a rare, close relative of the classic yellow lab (Labidochromis caeruleus) endemic to the rocky reefs around Chizumulu Island in Lake Malawi. Despite their close relation, they do have a number of differences with the most apparent being their coloration. Juvenile and female clown labs are cream or platinum white while mature males stand out with a brilliant sky-blue hue accented by a jet-black dorsal fin, mask, and vertical stripes. This coloration is very similar to male Labidochromis sp. 'Chisumulae Mbweca' with the key visual difference between the two species being that male clown labs possess a black band on their backs just below the dorsal fin that is absent in Labidochromis sp. 'Chisumulae Mbweca.' Basic care for clown labs is very similar to that of other Labidochromis species in that they require hard, alkaline conditions in order to thrive and benefit from having plenty of rockwork and a sandy substrate. Where they mainly begin to differ is their diet. Unlike other labs that are mainly herbivorous, clown labs have a primarily carnivorous diet naturally consisting of insects and small crustaceans in the wild. Within captivity, they are not very picky and will take to almost any foods provided. To keep your clown labs healthy and encourage them to show their best colors, provide a varied, high protein diet with the occasional treat of a vegetable-based food such as spirulina flake for added vitamins and fiber. A great benefit of clown labs not having a strict, herbivorous diet is that they can be kept with peacocks and haps without fear of bloat. Making them even more compatible is that they also have a surprisingly mellow disposition for an mbuna cichlid. Just be certain that your clown labs are not kept with other cichlids that are overly aggressive or large enough to swallow them as males of this species rarely exceed 3 inches in length with females being even smaller. It also is not recommended to keep them with other Labidochromis to prevent hybridization and aggression between conspecifics. A 55 gallon aquarium or larger is recommended if keeping clown labs in a Lake Malawi community tank. However, if you are wanting to just keep a small breeding group of 3 or 4, a 40 gallon will be sufficient. Multiple male clown labs can be kept together so long as there is at least one cave and 2-3 females per male to reduce aggression. It is often recommended to keep more than one male as the competition will encourage the more dominant male to display stronger colors. As they are peaceful for an mbuna, do not require large groups unlike many other Labidochromis, form pairs readily, and are very prolific, clown labs make a great breeding project to both beginner and seasoned keepers alike. Simply providing proper care and having the right ratio of males to females (2-3 females per male) can result in spawns. Spawning can take place on just about any horizontal surface within the aquarium with the female taking the eggs into her mouth as like with all mbuna, clown labs are a mouthbrooding species. The female will hold the eggs for approximately 25 days after which she will release the free-swimming fry. To avoid predation, it is recommended to remove the fry at this point to raise away from the parents.