He's 100% correct -- it is definitely not a deepwater hap. I'm not even 100% sure it is a Placidochromis.
Unfortunately, that does undermine any value for it in a group like this: it's a pretty fish, but people generally don't want hybrids (except That Guy).
Your best bet might be to label it as "Deep Water Hap Hybrid" and tuck it in the PVAS auction or bring it to the CCA swap meet.
I bought him as a deep water hap from a member pre-COVID, who breeds them and other fish. I’m trying to downsize and was just looking to get what I paid for him. Thanks Josh.