Mdoka nicaragua

Rare, vivid, and strikingly beautiful — the Mdoka Nicaragua Cichlid is a premium and uncommon Lake Malawi haplochromine cichlid from the Mdoka locality, displaying the distinctive colouration and quality associated with wild-locality Malawi cichlids. A sought-after fish for serious African cichlid collectors who appreciate locality-specific specimens.

Overview

Appearance

The Mdoka Nicaragua displays the vivid colouration characteristic of this locality form — males develop striking blue to blue-purple body colouration with contrasting markings and fin colouration that is specific to the Mdoka locality. The locality-specific colouration and pattern make this a particularly prized and collectible Malawi haplochromine cichlid. Females are more subdued in silver-grey tones.

Water Parameters & Tank Setup

• Temperature: 76 – 82°F (24 – 28°C)
• pH: 7.8 – 8.5
• General Hardness (GH): 10 – 20 dGH
• Tank Size: Minimum 75 gallons
• Substrate: Sand; rock formations for territory
• Decor: Rock caves and open swimming space

Diet & Feeding

• Staple: High-quality cichlid pellets
• Treats: Frozen brine shrimp, krill, and daphnia

Feed 2–3 times daily.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

Best kept with other Lake Malawi haplochromine and Peacock cichlids. Avoid very aggressive Mbuna. Keep one male per species to maintain locality purity.

Breeding

Maternal mouthbrooders. Females incubate eggs in their mouths for 3–4 weeks.

The Mdoka Nicaragua is a rare and beautiful locality-specific Malawi cichlid that brings premium colour and collector’s appeal to any African cichlid aquarium.