Super VC-10 Cichlid (Placidochromis Milomo)

Thick-lipped Lake Malawi cichlid probes rocky crevices for hidden invertebrates.

Super VC-10 Cichlid (Placidochromis milomo) is a striking Lake Malawi haplochromine with semi-aggressive temperament, ideal for experienced cichlid keepers.

• Water conditions: The Super VC-10 Cichlid thrives in hard, alkaline water that mirrors the rift lake environment. Aim for a pH of 7.8–8.6, a general hardness of 10–20 dGH, and a stable temperature between 24–28°C, with 26–27°C being ideal. Ammonia and nitrite must remain at zero, and nitrate should be kept below 20 ppm through regular water changes. These cichlids are sensitive to unstable parameters, so use a reliable heater, avoid sudden temperature swings, and never introduce them to an uncycled aquarium. Strong filtration is essential: aim for a turnover rate of 8–10 times the tank volume per hour, and add extra aeration or a powerhead to create gentle current and high dissolved oxygen. Test water weekly with a liquid test kit, and top off evaporation with dechlorinated water rather than hard tap water to avoid mineral creep. Stable conditions are far more important than chasing a specific number.
• Tank size and setup: Although sold at 4–7 cm, Placidochromis milomo grows into a large, active haplochromine, with adult males capable of reaching 20–25 cm. Plan for a minimum tank length of 150 cm and a volume of at least 400 litres for a group, or 300 litres for a single specimen with careful maintenance. Use a sand substrate, build secure rockwork with caves and sight breaks, and leave a broad open swimming area in the front and middle of the tank. A tight-fitting lid is essential because these fish can jump when startled. Keep the aquascape stable; heavy rocks should sit directly on the glass base, not on the sand, to prevent collapses. Provide bright, moderate lighting and a dark background to bring out the fish’s iridescent blue-green sheen and the distinctive enlarged lips that give the species its VC-10 common name.
• Suitable tank mates: This semi-aggressive cichlid is best kept with other Lake Malawi haplochromines and robust mbuna of similar size and temperament. Good companions include Copadichromis, Otopharynx, Lethrinops, and medium-sized Aulonocara, provided the tank is large enough and territories are broken up by rockwork. Avoid highly aggressive mbuna such as Demasoni, Auratus, or Kenyi, which can harass and stress the VC-10. Do not house it with small fish, shrimp, or fry that can be eaten, and avoid slow-moving species that cannot compete for food. Keep a single male with several females if breeding behaviour is desired, or house one specimen per large tank if aggression becomes an issue. Always quarantine new arrivals and observe the hierarchy for the first two weeks, as haplochromines can be unpredictable when territories shift.
• Feeding habits: In the wild, Placidochromis milomo is an opportunistic carnivore that feeds on aquatic invertebrates and small fish, often following other cichlids to catch prey disturbed from the substrate. In the aquarium, offer a high-protein diet based on quality cichlid pellets sized 1–2 mm for juveniles and 3–4 mm for adults. Supplement with frozen or live mysis, krill, brine shrimp, bloodworm, and insect larvae. Feed two to three small meals daily, only what the fish can consume in two minutes, and remove uneaten food to protect water quality. Juveniles require more frequent feeding to support growth, but avoid overfeeding, which can cause bloating and fatty liver. Vary the diet regularly, and avoid mammalian fats, cheap fillers, and excessive dry food. A balanced, protein-rich diet supports proper growth, colour development, and the large lips that make this species so distinctive.
• Care requirements: Perform a 30–50% water change weekly using a gravel vacuum to remove detritus, and clean mechanical filter media every two to four weeks in tank water to preserve beneficial bacteria. Keep the temperature stable, check the heater guard, and ensure no cables or equipment can be disturbed by digging or territorial displays. Observe behaviour daily: laboured breathing, clamped fins, white spots, or hiding can indicate stress, poor water quality, or aggression. Acclimatise new fish carefully using the drip method, and never release them directly into the tank. Because these cichlids are mouthbrooders, breeding can occur in a well-maintained group, but raising fry requires a separate grow-out tank and a steady supply of small live or frozen foods. This species is not recommended for beginners because of its adult size, semi-aggressive nature, and need for stable rift-lake conditions.
• Growth, behaviour and long-term planning: The 4–7 cm specimens offered here are juveniles; with good care they will grow steadily, and males will eventually become larger, deeper-bodied, and more colourful than females. Expect territorial displays, chasing, and lip-locking as the hierarchy settles, especially once the fish reach sexual maturity. Provide plenty of visual barriers and rearrange rockwork if aggression becomes excessive. Keep a written log of water parameters, feeding, and behaviour so you can spot trends early. Because adults need substantial swimming space, plan your upgrade path before purchase rather than waiting until the fish outgrow the tank. With stable water, a protein-rich diet, and thoughtful tank mate selection, the Super VC-10 Cichlid can live for many years and become a striking centrepiece in a large Malawi biotope aquarium.