{"product_id":"mdoka-white-lips-cichlid","title":"Mdoka White Lips Cichlid","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"product-main\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"row content-row mb-0\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-info summary col-fit col entry-summary product-summary text-left\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"wc_bis_product_form\" data-bis-product-id=\"2186\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMdoka White Lips Cichlid: A Stunning Lake Malawi Showpiece\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-footer\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"container\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-page-accordian\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"accordion\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"accordion-description\" class=\"accordion-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"accordion-description-content\" class=\"accordion-inner\" aria-labelledby=\"accordion-description-label\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Mdoka White Lips Cichlid (\u003cem\u003ePlacidochromis phenochilus\u003c\/em\u003e), known for its striking metallic blue body and bright white lips, is a captivating species native to Lake Malawi. This cichlid is an excellent choice for aquarists looking to add elegance and vibrancy to their tank. Its manageable temperament and unique appearance make it a favourite among hobbyists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSize and Lifespan\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMdoka White Lips Cichlids can grow up to 20 cm in length, making them a standout species in medium to large aquariums. With proper care, they can live for 8–10 years, offering long-lasting beauty and activity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTank Size and Requirements\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA tank of at least 300 liters is recommended to provide sufficient space for their active swimming and territorial behaviour. They thrive in water temperatures between 24°C–28°C and a pH range of 7.8–8.6, replicating the alkaline conditions of Lake Malawi. Include rocks and caves for hiding spots and territories, along with open swimming areas. A sandy substrate complements their natural habitat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMdoka White Lips Cichlids are relatively peaceful but can be territorial, especially during breeding. They do well with other non-aggressive Haps and Peacocks. Avoid keeping them with overly aggressive species or smaller fish that might be viewed as food. A balanced male-to-female ratio reduces aggression and promotes harmonious interactions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese omnivorous cichlids thrive on a varied diet. Offer high-quality cichlid pellets or flakes as their primary food. Supplement with live or frozen treats like brine shrimp or bloodworms to enhance their colour and health. Spirulina-based foods and blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach can be added for variety and balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBreeding Mdoka White Lips Cichlids\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBreeding these cichlids requires a well-maintained tank and proper conditions. Males showcase their vivid colours to attract females, who are maternal mouthbrooders. Females carry eggs and fry in their mouths for about 21–28 days. Provide flat rocks or sandy areas for spawning, and consider separating fry into a grow-out tank for better survival rates. Feed fry finely crushed flakes or baby brine shrimp for healthy growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFAQs\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow big do Mdoka White Lips Cichlids get?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey grow up to 20 cm, making them ideal for medium to large aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre they aggressive?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey are relatively peaceful but can become territorial during breeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat tank mates are suitable?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNon-aggressive Haps and Peacocks are great companions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat do they eat?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey thrive on cichlid pellets, live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, and occasional vegetables like spinach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow do they breed?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFemales are mouthbrooders, carrying eggs and fry for 21–28 days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecies Overview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecies:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003ePlacidochromis phenochilus\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eMdoka White Lips Cichlid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eLake Malawi, Africa\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eOmnivore\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePH Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e7.8–8.6\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e24°C–28°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMax Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eUp to 20 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eMinimum 300 liters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Beyond The Reef Aquariums","offers":[{"title":"Medium 4-6cm","offer_id":51284068696379,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large 6-8cm","offer_id":51284068729147,"sku":null,"price":150.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Male Breeder","offer_id":51284068761915,"sku":null,"price":300.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Female Breeder","offer_id":51284068794683,"sku":null,"price":300.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Small 2-4cm","offer_id":51375146795323,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0666\/7943\/9675\/files\/Cichlid-Mdoka-White-Lips_jpg.webp?v=1779766456","url":"https:\/\/livefishonline.com.au\/products\/mdoka-white-lips-cichlid","provider":"Beyond The Reef Aquariums ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}