White Lips Mdoka Cichlid
Well, we had the blue lips Williamsi, and now we also have the white lips mdoka from Lake Malawi. The white lips mdoka likes to sift sand for snacks, so he is a bit more at home with some part of the aquarium with a sandy bottom. These fish are navy blue with bright white lips and grow to about seven inches. Omnivores, but they do require meat; flake or pellet food is fine.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Placidochromis phenochilus “Mdoka” |
|---|---|
| Origin | Lake Malawi, Africa |
| Care Level | Easy to moderate |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive (males territorial) |
| Adult Size | Up to 7 inches |
FAQ
What kind of substrate does the white lips mdoka prefer?
The white lips mdoka prefers a sandy substrate as it likes to sift through the sand for food.
What is the typical diet for this fish?
This fish is omnivorous and requires meat-based food; flake or pellet food is suitable, though it should include some meaty components.
Are male white lips mdokas territorial?
Yes, male white lips mdokas are semi-aggressive and can become territorial, especially during breeding or when space is limited.
Sue Ogden –
My white lips mdoka has been thriving in a 20-gallon tank with a sandy bottom. He’s active and enjoys sifting through the sand. The bright white lips stand out against his navy blue body. I feed him a mix of pellets and frozen bloodworms every day. He’s not aggressive with other fish, but I keep him in a separate area to avoid male-to-male conflict.
Austin Tucker –
This fish is beautiful and quite unique. I noticed he spends a lot of time near the sand bed, which is exactly what I wanted. The care level is manageable, and he adapts well to a balanced diet. I’ve seen him eat both flakes and meaty foods, and he seems to prefer the latter.
Gabrielle Johnston –
After adding the white lips mdoka to my Malawi-focused tank, I noticed a more natural behavior in the aquarium. The fish is active and curious, especially when food is placed in the sand. I keep the tank well-maintained and provide a mix of sinking pellets and frozen foods. He’s grown to about 6.5 inches and looks healthy.