Hap VC10 Care Guide - Aquarium Setup, Diet & Breeding

Hap VC10 is a large, impressive Lake Malawi cichlid recognised by its elongated body, prominent fleshy lips and strong blue coloration in mature males. The name VC10 is used in the aquarium trade for this form of Placidochromis milomo, and adult males can develop intense blue tones over the head, flanks and fins, often with darker markings that vary with mood and condition.

This is a powerful, confident fish rather than a typical peaceful community species. Mature males may defend a territory, particularly when breeding, while females and younger fish are generally less boldly coloured and less assertive. Its substantial size and active nature make it a better choice for experienced keepers with room for a large Malawi cichlid aquarium.

In the wild, Placidochromis milomo lives among rocky areas and open lakebed habitats. Its enlarged lips are a notable adaptation and are associated with probing and picking food from surfaces and crevices. It is an opportunistic predator and feeds on animal-based foods, including small invertebrates.

Like many Lake Malawi haplochromine cichlids, Hap VC10 is a maternal mouthbrooder. Females carry the eggs and young in their mouths, while males display vivid breeding colours and compete for access to suitable spawning areas. Individual appearance can vary according to age, sex, locality and social surroundings.

Hap VC10, Placidochromis milomo, is endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. It occurs around rocky and intermediate habitats at a range of depths within the lake, which is shared by Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania.

Plan on at least 500 litres for a single adult or compatible group, with a larger aquarium preferable for multiple males. A footprint of around 180 x 60 cm provides a more appropriate starting point than a tall, narrow tank. Use a fine sand substrate with sturdy piles of limestone or other aquarium-safe rock, creating caves, retreats and separate territories while leaving open swimming space. All rockwork must be placed securely because these large cichlids can dig and rearrange decor.

Males can reach about 30 cm (11.8 in) in length, while females are usually smaller at around 23–25 cm (9.1–9.8 in).

Offer a varied, protein-rich but balanced diet based on quality cichlid pellets and granules, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, krill and chopped seafood. Small portions of insect larvae can also be used occasionally. Feed modest amounts rather than allowing it to gorge, and avoid making fatty mammalian or terrestrial animal meat part of the diet.

Suitable companions include other large, robust Lake Malawi haps and carefully selected mbuna of comparable size and temperament, provided the aquarium is very spacious and has ample rockwork and visual barriers. It should not be housed with tiny fish, delicate community species or slow, timid cichlids that may be intimidated or eaten. Avoid mixing it with similarly shaped, highly aggressive males or too many competing large predators, and do not combine Malawi cichlids with fish requiring soft, acidic water.

Hap VC10 is a maternal mouthbrooder. In a spacious breeding aquarium, keep one male with several females and provide flat stones or open sand for courtship. The female picks up the fertilised eggs and incubates them in her mouth for around three weeks, usually eating little during this period. Fry can be offered finely crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp and other appropriately sized foods once released; avoid stripping the female unless there is a clear need to do so.

Mature males are larger and much more vividly coloured, commonly developing strong blue tones and more pronounced breeding markings. Females remain smaller and are generally silver, grey-blue or more muted, while both sexes share the species' characteristic thick lips.