Experiences with Lake Malawi Non-Mbuna - Placidochromis phenochilus

The populations of the species in Lake Malawi:

Placidochromis phenochilus (Trewavas 1935):
- Chesese
- Chirwa Island
- Mdoka

Placidochromis sp. phenochilus tanzania:
- Lupingu
- Makonde

Profile - Placidochromis phenochilus Mdoka White Lips
Size of males: approx. 18-21 cm
Size of females: approx. 14-17 cm

Coloration, differences:
Males and females are almost equally colored, deep blue with deep black-blue stripes.
Males are significantly larger, higher with a steeper forehead.
As juveniles, the sexes are very difficult to distinguish.

Tank size:
from 200 x 60 x 50 cm, larger would always be better!

Diet:
Predatory fish with carnivorous diet, flakes, granules, frozen and live food

Habitat in Lake Malawi:
Transition zone with large individual stones and plenty of free sandy area

Reproduction:
Maternal mouthbrooder

My experiences with Placidochromis phenochilus Mdoka White Lips

Keeping in the aquarium:
Since this species grows quite large and should also be kept in groups, the aquarium must have a minimum size of 200 x 60 x 50 cm; the more animals, the correspondingly larger aquarium.
The tank should be designed as a Malawi transition zone. Larger free sandy areas with large stones placed in between. This suits the feeding habits of this species. The animals are predator fish that swim behind larger species that sieve the sand for food and eat the disturbed food in the sand cloud.

It is best to keep a group of about 3 males / 5 females; this suits the very social animals. A harem setup of 1 male / 3 females is also possible. Always keep an eye on the size of the available aquarium.

Diet in the aquarium:
The fish eat tiny organisms, insects, worms, etc., that are in the sand or are stirred up by the foraging digging fish. Therefore, a carnivorous diet for the animals is necessary. They accept flakes and granule food. Frozen and live food can also be given occasionally.
Caution, the species fattens quickly, which can lead to health problems. Please feed sparingly and with high-quality food (low carbohydrates).

Behavior in the aquarium (my experiences):
The fish, when introduced as juveniles, are very peaceful for a long time and are with their group. However, this species occupies territories during the breeding season, usually larger, flat stones, which they then defend very vigorously. When the males reach sexual maturity and court, they will aggressively confront conspecifics and especially foreign fish, even if they are larger.
The remaining stock should not be very aggressive but should be quite robust.
The fish can change their coloration from almost light blue to dark blue, with deep black-blue stripes. This occurs according to their mood; the dominant male is often deep dark blue with deep black stripes.

Co-habitation in the aquarium:
A stock with larger, robust fish must be chosen in the tank (e.g., non-Mbunas, Malawi predators). Ideally, a large digging fish like Fossochromis rostratus as tank mates would be optimal, which would then require even larger aquariums.
Due to their colors and behavior, they are an eye-catcher even in a suitably designed species tank.

My conclusion:
A very beautiful and also special Malawi non-Mbuna species that, with its beautiful shaded, shiny blue coloration and thick white lips, truly represents a highlight in any aquarium. The fish exhibit impressive, majestic swimming behavior in a larger group. I really like these fish and have been keeping them in my Lake Malawi aquarium for many years now, even though there are occasionally more intense confrontations with clinking cover glasses.