Placidochromis milomo

Placidochromis milomo is a thick-lipped hap known in the hobby as "VC-10" or "Super VC-10". These lips are pressed against rock crevices to suck out the insect larvae and small crustaceans inside. The body is blue in tone with dark vertical bars; mature males are a brighter blue, females paler. In the aquarium, the lips are known to shrink over time in fish that get no chance to feed from crevices.

• At least 500 liters and 150 cm in length for a group.
• Rock groups with plenty of crevices and a wide open sand area.
• Hard and alkaline water (pH 7.8–8.5); aragonite substrate or Malawi salt.
• Strong filtration and weekly 30–50% water changes.

Carnivorous. Sinking cichlid pellets, frozen mysis, brine shrimp and krill are the staple foods. Letting some of the food fall between the rocks supports its natural feeding behavior.

A relatively calm hap; males become territorial toward males of their own species. Kept with aggressive mbuna, it comes under pressure.

Good companions: blue dolphin cichlid, electric blue ahli, Placidochromis electra, red empress, large Aulonocara species, Synodontis catfish suited to hard water.

Avoid: aggressive mbuna, small fish that fit in its mouth, community fish, shrimp and snails.