Placidochromis milomo VC10

Placidochromis milomo VC10 is one of the most morphologically remarkable cichlids in the hobby, instantly recognisable by the extraordinarily enlarged, rubbery lips of adult fish. The VC10 name refers to the original collection vessel used by the exporter who first brought this fish to the trade. Males display a deep steel-blue to blue-black body with subtle iridescence; females are silvery-brown.

The enlarged lips are a specialised adaptation for pressing into rock crevices and creating suction to extract invertebrates. This unique feeding strategy is not replicated by any other commonly kept Malawi cichlid. In the wild, P. milomo is found at moderate depths along rocky shores, using its extraordinary lip structure to vacuum prey from gaps that other species cannot access.

In the aquarium, Placidochromis milomo VC10 is a moderately peaceful large hap that makes an outstanding conversation piece. Its lip morphology develops fully as the fish matures — juveniles have standard-sized lips that enlarge progressively. It is compatible with other Malawi haps and peacocks and requires standard alkaline water conditions with quality meaty nutrition.

Water: 24-28°C, pH 7.8-8.5, hard alkaline; stable water quality essential for long-term health. Tank: 400L minimum; large rocks with crevices the fish can probe; sandy substrate areas for invertebrate hunting. Feeding: Carnivore diet — frozen mysis, artemia, and krill; quality cichlid pellets; the unique lips enable vacuum feeding. Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder; clutch of 20-30 eggs; lip size continues developing until approximately 2 years old. Compatibility: Moderately peaceful large hap; excellent community fish with other haps and peacocks.