Can Electric Yellow Lab live with Siamese Algae Eater?
Case-by-case. Watch group sizes, tank size, and feeding zones.
Why Electric Yellow Lab and Siamese Algae Eater Don't Make an Easy Pair
They can coexist, but you need to manage the setup carefully. The temperament combination (semi-aggressive+peaceful) can work, but you will need to watch them at feeding time for the first week.
Electric Yellow Lab
Labidochromis caeruleus
| Adult Size: | 4.0" |
| Temperament: | semi-aggressive |
| Min Tank: | 30 gal |
| Temperature: | 75-82°F |
| pH Range: | 7.8-8.6 |
Siamese Algae Eater
Crossocheilus oblongus
| Adult Size: | 6.0" |
| Temperament: | peaceful |
| Min Tank: | 30 gal |
| Temperature: | 75-82°F |
| pH Range: | 6.5-7.5 |
Water Parameter Overlap
| Parameter | Electric Yellow Lab | Siamese Algae Eater | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 75-82°F | 75-82°F | 7°F ✓ |
| pH | 7.8-8.6 | 6.5-7.5 | No overlap ✗ |
Compatibility Breakdown
Temperament Match: semi-aggressive + peaceful. Semi-aggressive → watch territory and feeding.
⚠️ Size Predation Risk: Electric Yellow Lab (4.0") vs Siamese Algae Eater (6.0"). A 2.0" gap — the larger fish will view the smaller fish as food.
Score: 60/100 (GOOD ≥80, CAUTION ≥50, RISKY <50).
🔧 Tank Setup Requirements (for Both)
- Minimum tank: 30 gallons — sized for the larger fish in the pair.
- Temperature: keep it between 75°F and 82°F.
- pH: no shared range. One species will be outside its tolerance regardless of what you set.
- Hiding spots: essential for Electric Yellow Lab — caves, plants, or driftwood to retreat when feeling stressed.
- Water changes: 25% weekly minimum. Two species mean double the bioload.
🔧 Tank Stocking Calculator
Enter tank size to calculate safe stocking levels:
Recommended Equipment
Based on tank size 30+ gallons:
Small pellet food for African cichlids
Explore Related Checks
See what else works with these fish:
⚠️ Common Reasons This Pairing Fails in Practice
- Size-based predation: The 2.0" size gap means the larger fish may eat the smaller one once it grows to full size. This is not fixable with more hiding spots.
- Overcrowding: Even compatible species fail in tanks that are too small. Double the species means double the bioload — 25% weekly water changes are the minimum.
- Inadequate acclimation: Adding both species on the same day without quarantine is a common mistake. Always drip-acclimate new arrivals and quarantine for 2–4 weeks.
- Mismatched feeding: Electric Yellow Lab is a omnivore while Siamese Algae Eater is a herbivore. Use targeted feeding zones and sinking vs. floating food to ensure both get proper nutrition.
Tools & Resources
Accuracy note: This tool uses expert rules + FishBase.org data. Individual fish behavior varies — a semi-aggressive individual Electric Yellow Lab may act differently from its species average. Always observe, quarantine new arrivals for 2-4 weeks, and avoid overcrowding. If a pairing says CAUTION, start with a smaller group and a lid.