Yellow Striped Cichlid Species

Cichlids are freshwater fish found in Africa, Asia, and North and South America. There is a considerable diversity in shapes, sizes and markings in this huge group of freshwater fishes, which also has an affect on their feeding habits and behavior. The majority of aquarists keep cichlids that originate from either the Amazon or the great lakes in Africa. A number of yellow species exist. Cichlids with a yellow background color tend to have dark horizontal or vertical stripes.

  1. Bumblebee Cichlid

    • This attractive, but very aggressive cichlid is found in Lake Malawi. There are no visible differences between male and female fish, and both sexes are yellow with black stripes. This cichlid can change the intensity of its colors, depending on its mood. The bumblebee is slightly larger than some of the other yellow striped cichlids and mature fish can reach six inches in length.

    Twin Spot Flag Cichlid

    • The twin spot flag cichlid inhabits rivers in Columbia and South America. This day active cichlid is a peaceful omnivore. Mature males are slightly larger than females of the same age, and have longer anal and dorsal fin rays. The dorsal and anal fins of female fish are typically rounder in shape. Mature females also have a more substantial girth. Adult twin spot flag cichlids grow to just under five inches long, and have a single dark stripe running horizontally along the flank of an otherwise yellowish body.

    Nijsseni's Dwarf Cichlid

    • This peaceful species is found in Peru, near Iquitos. The Nijsseni's dwarf cichlid is a carnivore, and is most comfortable in areas with plenty of cover. In aquariums, this attractive cichlid species demands high water quality and aquarists must ensure that they have adequate filtration. This dwarf cichlid has a yellow background color with dark vertical stripes. The background of adult females is principally yellow, while mature male fish have specks of blue as well.

    Yellow Convict

    • This mainly yellow cichlid inhabits rivers in Central America. The yellow convict is a territorial cichlid that feeds on meat and vegetable matter. This is a relatively small cichlid, with mature males being 4 1/2 inches long. This fish is yellow with broken stripes that disappear as the cichlid's mood changes. Adult yellow convict cichlids have a dark circular marking on their back or dorsal fin. Adult male yellow cichlids are slightly larger than mature females.