Description

Placidochromis SP Mdoka White Lips- (No Online Purchases)

The Placidochromis sp. ‘Mdoka White Lips’ is a captivating and relatively peaceful species of cichlid from Lake Malawi, Africa. Known for its striking appearance, particularly the male’s vibrant blue body and distinctive white lips, it is a popular choice for hobbyists interested in African cichlids.

Key Characteristics
Scientific Name: Placidochromis phenochilus ‘Mdoka’

Common Names: Mdoka White Lips, Blue Sand Dweller

Origin: Endemic to the sandy, open-water areas of Lake Malawi. The “Mdoka” in its name refers to the specific location where this population is found.

Size: Can grow up to 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) in an aquarium. Males are generally larger than females.

Appearance: Both males and females have a metallic dark blue colouration as adults. Young males and females may have blue-gray bodies with horizontal stripes. The most distinguishing feature is the large, prominent white lips that develop on mature males.

Temperament: Considered relatively peaceful for a cichlid. They are not as aggressive as many Mbuna species. They are social and do best in groups of at least 5 individuals. Males may show territoriality, especially during breeding.

Diet: Omnivorous. In the wild, they feed on small invertebrates and detritus. In an aquarium, they should be fed a varied diet of high-quality cichlid pellets or flakes, supplemented with frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and bloodworms. Vegetable matter, such as spirulina flakes, can also be beneficial.

Aquarium Care and Requirements
Tank Size: A minimum of 55 gallons (200 liters) is recommended for a small group, with larger tanks (75 gallons or more) being ideal to provide ample swimming space and reduce aggression.

Water Parameters: Replicating their natural Lake Malawi environment is crucial.

Temperature: 24-28C

pH: 7.5-8.6 (Alkaline)

Hardness: 10-25 dKH

Tank Setup:

Substrate: A sandy substrate is highly recommended as they are “sand-dwellers” that will sift through the sand, which is a natural behaviour. Coarse gravel can damage their gills if ingested.

Decor: The aquascape should include some stacked rocks and caves to create hiding spots and territories, but also provide large, open areas for swimming.

Filtration: A robust filtration system is essential to maintain high water quality, as they are sensitive to poor water conditions.

Tank Mates: The Mdoka White Lips cichlid is best kept with other non-aggressive to semi-aggressive Malawian cichlids, such as other Haps and Peacocks (Aulonocara species). They should not be kept with highly aggressive species, particularly Mbuna, which can bully and stress them.

Breeding
Mouthbrooder: Placidochromis sp. ‘Mdoka White Lips’ are maternal mouthbrooders. The female will carry eggs and fry in her mouth for 21-28 days.

Breeding Setup: A well-maintained tank with flat rocks or sandy areas for spawning is ideal. Providing a ratio of several females to one male can help reduce aggression during breeding.

Fry Care: Once the female releases the fry, they can be fed finely crushed flakes or baby brine shrimp. For a higher survival rate, it is recommended to separate the fry into a grow-out tank.