THICK LIP VC10

Placidochromis milomo is known from Nkhata Bay and the southern part of the lake, from Thumbi Island West along the Nankumba Peninsula to Zambo. Here, it inhabits the algae- and sediment-rich rocky habitat and uses its enlarged rubbery lips to harvest aufwuchs and algae from the rocks, as well as feasting on small Mbuna fry. The aquarium should be at least 6ft long and aquascaped with open expanses of sand in addition to a number of rocky areas. Décor such as ocean rock can be used to build sturdy structures which stretch from the base of the tank to near the surface of the water. These structures should be built with the purpose of creating many crevices for the fish to explore but constructed in such a way so as to keep the rocks stable if the fish start to dig around and underneath them. Although a substrate of coral sand or Aragonite is often recommended to help to keep the water hard and alkaline, these fish feel safer and show better colours over a darker substrate. The Aragonite or coral sand can always be placed into a mesh bag and kept inside the external filter for buffering purposes. P. milomo is solitary in nature and can be kept singly in the aquarium, or one male with a harem of several females. Suitable tankmates could include other large rift lake species such as Dimidiochromis compressiceps, Fossorochromis rostratus, other sizeable Haplochromis/Nimbochromis species, large Synodontis catfish etc. Interestingly, the ‘VC10’ common name was coined by Peter Davies, a trader in Malawian fish. He likened its swift disappearance when faced with a fishing net to that of the rapid flight of an aircraft called the VC-10 which used to fly him from Malawi to London. May also be seen on sale as Super VC10 Hap.

• Species – PlacidochromisMilomo
• Common Name – VC10, Thick Lip Cichlid
• Origin – Lake Malawi
• Diet – Carnivore/Omnivore
• PH Range – Alkaline 7.5 – 8.5
• Water Type – Hard
• Temperature – Tropical 24°c
• Breed Type – Mouth brooder
• Max Size – approximately 25cm
• Sex – Un-sexed