How to identify Lab. caeruleus vs. hybrids

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elbereth

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Feb 22, 2018
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Toronto, Canada
I came across an old thread on another forum where someone mentionned that some "yellow labs" sold in stores are not truly Labidochromis caeruleus but hybrids and that they tend to be more aggressive than the species. I can't seem to find any pictures comparing them though. Anyone know how to distinguish between the two? I need the more peaceful species for the tank setup I'm planning. Thanks!
 
They can look like normal yellow labs, whatever mixed with the lab or a mix of both parents. It's best to find a reliable source to get them from.
 
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Good to know. I didn't realize they look identical. Thanks for the warning!

Yep, they can look like either parents, a combination or both, or something completely different.

If you look in the African cichlid section RD posted some pictures of wild caught labs at a facility that I believe was on the shore of lake Malawi.
 
Yeah, I agree with James. Your best bet would be to buy from a reliable source, not the junk one typically sees at big box stores.
 
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