Mdoka Whitelips – Striking Elegance from the Depths of Lake Malawi
Add rare beauty and calm confidence to your aquarium with the Mdoka Whitelips (Placidochromis phenochilus "Mdoka"), a stunning deep-water hap from Lake Malawi. Featuring a rich, metallic blue body and bright white lips, this species stands out for its unique look and composed temperament – a true favourite among Malawi enthusiasts.
 
Key Features:
Scientific Name: Placidochromis phenochilus "Mdoka"
Common Name: Mdoka Whitelips
Origin: Mdoka Reef, Lake Malawi, Africa
Adult Size: 15–20 cm
Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive
Tank Size: Minimum 250–300 litres
Water Conditions: pH 7.8–8.6 | Temp 24–28°C
 
Why It's a Top Pick:
Eye-Catching Colouration: Males display a deep electric blue body with clean, bold white lips – incredibly striking under aquarium lighting.
Relatively Peaceful: Less aggressive than many haps, making them easier to manage in community setups with similar-sized Malawi cichlids.
Graceful Movement: Slow, deliberate swimmers that add calm energy to the tank.
 
Care Level: Moderate
Best kept in a spacious tank with open swimming areas, rockwork for cover, and high water quality. Provide a high-protein diet with quality cichlid pellets and frozen foods to maintain colour and health.