Labidochromis chisumulae
Clown Lab (Labidochromis chisumulae)
Clown Lab (Labidochromis chisumulae)
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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.
Animal Data
Animal Data
- Native to: Lake Malawi, Africa
- Breeding: Tank-raised in USA
- Max adult size: 3-4"
- Diet: Omnivore
- Social behavior: Aggressive
- Care skill: Beginner
Tank Parameters
Tank Parameters
- Temp range: 74°F - 82°F
- pH range: 7.5 - 8.6
- TDS range: 175 ppm - 400 ppm
- Min Tank Size:
Shipping Info
Shipping Info
We provide premium next day air shipping at affordable flat rates to minimize transit time for the health of the fish.
| US Zone 1 | UPS Overnight | $39.99 |
| US Zone 2 | UPS Overnight | $49.99 |
| US Zone 3 | UPS Overnight | $59.99 |
| US Zone 4 |
UPS Overnight |
$69.99 |
| Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska | UPS Overnight 1-2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Canada | UPS Overnight -2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Florida | UPS 1 Day Ground | $19.99 |
| Local pickup | Select at checkout | No charge |
| No overseas shipping | ||
Minimum order for all shipping is $50 for mainland US, $100 elsewhere. Saturday delivery available for an extra $30. Shipping to Alaska and Canada is not flat rate and can be subject to additional fees based on location.
Important order and shipping info
Allow 2-4 business days to process and pack your order. You will receive a notification when it actually ships. Order cancellations are subject to a 10% restocking fee. Order changes cannot be made. However, if you wish to add to your order within 24 hours, you may place a second order with a request to combine the shipments. We will do our best to accommodate, however once an order is packaged and sealed it cannot be reopened.
Your order is covered by our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee.
Why buy from us?
Our Healthy & Happy Arrival guarantee
We've been packing and shipping live fish for over 50 years. When you buy from us, you get the healthiest stock and most experienced live fish shipping in the industry. So you know you won't be disappointed!
Will my fish look like the picture?
The majority of fish on our website will NOT look like their photos upon their unboxing. Fish change in appearance depending on many factors, including mood, age, gender, and social status. Fish will naturally lose color during shipping and may appear faded upon arrival. Pictures are used as examples only. Pictures may be of mature fish with full color or juvenile fish without color. We encourage you to research the species as much as possible prior to ordering in order to familiarize yourself with the various appearances they may take on. Many species have females that look drastically different to their male counterparts, and many juveniles will not have as much color (or different colors) as their adult forms. If you have questions about how the fish will look, please review their information and email us if you have any questions.
How do I know which fish can go together in my tank?
Research the product descriptions on our website and use Google search to help decide which fish can go together. PLEASE do your research and email us if you have any questions. Also, we have a very active Facebook group called Imperial Tropicals Fishkeepers where you can learn from knowledgable and experienced fishkeepers.
How do you ship live fish? Sounds risky!
We've been shipping live fish for over 50 years. we use specialized packaging and techniques to ensure their health. See how we do it.
How much does shipping cost?
We provide premium next day air shipping at affordable flat rates to minimize transit time for the health of the fish.
| US Zone 1 | UPS Overnight | $39.99 |
| US Zone 2 | UPS Overnight | $49.99 |
| US Zone 3 | UPS Overnight | $59.99 |
| US Zone 4 |
UPS Overnight |
$69.99 |
| Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska | UPS Overnight 1-2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Canada | UPS Overnight -2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Florida | UPS 1 Day Ground | $19.99 |
| Local pickup | Select at checkout | No charge |
| No overseas shipping | ||
Minimum order for all shipping is $50 for mainland US, $100 elsewhere. Saturday delivery available for an extra $30. Shipping to Alaska and Canada is not flat rate and can be subject to additional fees based on location.
Important order and shipping info
Allow 2-4 business days to process and pack your order. You will receive a notification when it actually ships. Order cancellations are subject to a 10% restocking fee. Order changes cannot be made. However, if you wish to add to your order within 24 hours, you may place a second order with a request to combine the shipments. We will do our best to accommodate, however once an order is packaged and sealed it cannot be reopened.
Your order is covered by our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee.
When will I get my order?
We need 2-4 days to select and pack your fish, you'll get a notification when it ships along with tracking info. It will arrive the next day or day after, depending on your location. See our Shipping Policy for full info.
What if my order is delayed? Will my fish be OK?
We ship hundreds of packages a week, and most are delivered without any issues thanks to our experienced team and premium air courier service. Our high-tech packaging is designed to sustain the animals a minimum of 2-3 days in the box, and in some cases longer, depending on the breed.
However, sometimes delays do occur. If this happens to your order, please document and contact us promptly following our inspection and documentation policies above in order to receive credit.
Can I change or cancel my order after it is placed?
Orders can be changed or cancelled within 24 hours, subject to a 10% restocking fee. Shipping is stressful for the animals and we cannot open boxes once they have been prepped and packed.
Can you hold my order until my tank is ready?
We can hold for a few days, but not beyond a week as inventory changes rapidly. Please only place your order when you know you will be ready to receive them.
What if my order is missing something?
First, please check the box and packaging thoroughly. If you are sure an item is missing please contact us immediately.
Do you offer pickup on local orders?
Yes! Just specify local pickup as your shipping option in checkout and we'll let you know when it is ready.
What if a fish I receive seems dead, sick or doesn't look right?
97% of our orders arrive without an issue. But if something goes wrong, no worries! You're covered under our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee