Moderate
Placidochromis phenochilus mdoka white lips
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 300L
£31.99
The Super VC 10 Big-Lip Hap (Placidochromis milomo) is a large, blue-bodied Lake Malawi cichlid famous for its oversized rubbery lips. A semi-aggressive haplochromine for 400L+ Rift Lake aquariums, with UK delivery and live arrival guarantee.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Placidochromis johnstoni solo
Super VC 10 Big-Lip Hap bond and breed in male/female pairs — buying a pair gives them the social structure they need.
The Super VC 10 Big-Lip Hap (Placidochromis milomo) is a large, blue-bodied Lake Malawi cichlid famous for its oversized rubbery lips. A semi-aggressive haplochromine for 400L+ Rift Lake aquariums, with UK delivery and live arrival guarantee.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Cichlids are one of the most diverse fish families in the hobby. From tiny apistogrammas to massive oscars, this guide covers the basics of keeping them well.
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
The Super VC 10 Big-Lip Hap, Placidochromis milomo, is one of the most distinctive tropical fish for sale UK hobbyists can keep. Its oversized rubbery lips, metallic blue body and calm-but-confident Lake Malawi presence make it stand out from standard African cichlids. Native to rocky shorelines in East Africa, this Lake Malawi cichlid UK favourite grows larger than many people expect, reaching around 25 cm in the home aquarium, with a super vc 10 big-lip hap lifespan of about 10 years when cared for correctly. It is often chosen by aquarists who want an impressive African cichlid UK display fish that is less chaotic than many mbuna species, yet still full of personality.
If you are looking to buy fish online, this species deserves a close look. Our photos show the thick lip structure, adult body shape and the blue sheen that develops under correct lighting and stable water conditions. For keepers wanting a striking freshwater cichlid UK specimen for a large Rift Lake aquarium, the Super VC 10 offers real presence, fascinating feeding behaviour and better community potential than many similarly sized haps. It is not a fish for tiny starter tanks, but in the right setup it becomes a centrepiece fish with excellent long-term appeal. For broader background on keeping Rift Lake species, see our cichlid care guide.
The Super VC-10 hap sits within the diverse African cichlid family, a group famous for intelligence, colour and specialised feeding behaviour. In the aquarium hobby it is valued as a large haplochromine from Lake Malawi rather than a rock-dwelling mbuna. Its unusual lip shape is linked to feeding in crevices and scraping surfaces in the wild, which helps explain both its appearance and its calm, methodical behaviour around rockwork.
Placidochromis milomo comes from Lake Malawi in East Africa, especially along rocky Malawian shorelines where wave-washed stone, crevices and algae-coated surfaces provide both cover and feeding opportunities. This is not a swamp fish, a soft-water rainforest species or a pond fish. It evolved in hard, alkaline, mineral-rich water with excellent oxygen levels and stable conditions, which is why a proper Rift Lake setup matters so much in captivity.
In the wild, these fish patrol rocky zones and use their enlarged lips to work food from cracks and uneven surfaces. That specialised mouth shape is one reason they are so memorable in the aquarium trade. While the fish may graze surfaces and inspect rockwork, it should not be treated as a clean-up or janitor fish — it is a show cichlid first.
A proper Malawi tank setup for the Super VC 10 should mimic the lake's cleanliness and stability rather than a heavily planted soft-water community tank. The species is best kept in an indoor heated aquarium, not an outdoor pond. If you are weighing up the super vc 10 big-lip hap or alternative species, the main draw here is the combination of unusual head shape, manageable temperament and bold Malawi colouration.
Mimicking the natural habitat with stacked rockwork, open sand areas and strong filtration improves confidence, feeding response and colour. Fish kept in bare, cramped tanks often show washed-out colour and more territorial stress.
A successful setup starts with one key point: this is a large cichlid, not a fish for a nano aquarium. The super vc 10 big-lip hap minimum tank size is 400 litres, but for adult males with females or mixed Malawi haps, more space is always better. Think in terms of footprint as much as litres — a tank around 150 cm long gives far better swimming room and territory separation than a short, deep aquarium.
The realistic super vc 10 big-lip hap tank size for long-term care is a 400- to 500-litre aquarium. Small starter tanks are simply too small for an adult specimen. This is very much a super vc 10 big-lip hap for large tank species. Its adult mass, activity and social dynamics require room, especially if keeping the recommended group of one male with two to three females.
The ideal temperature is 24-28°C, with 25-26°C suiting most home aquariums well. The super vc 10 big-lip hap ideal temperature sits comfortably in the middle of that range, and it should remain steady rather than swinging several degrees between day and night. This fish needs hard, alkaline Malawi conditions: pH 7.5-8.5, hardness 10-25 dGH and strong oxygenation. Prolonged low temperatures can suppress immunity, while water that is too warm reduces oxygen and increases stress, so a reliable heater and a separate thermometer are worth having.
Because this is a bulky, messy eater, filtration matters. Use strong biological filtration, ideally a large external canister or a dual-filter approach — big cichlids produce far more waste than many keepers expect. A reliable heater sized for the full water volume is essential, positioned near good water flow such as close to a filter outlet so heat spreads evenly. Verify the temperature with a separate thermometer rather than trusting the dial blindly.
Sand or fine smooth gravel works best. Rock piles should be stable, heavy and placed directly on the tank base before substrate is added. This species uses caves and sight breaks but also appreciates open swimming lanes. In a Malawi aquarium, hardy plants such as Anubias or Java fern attached to rock can work, though many keepers run the tank mostly rocky and open. If you want robust cichlid companions, consider an Aulonocara Sp Neon Red Calico Peacock, a Rubin Red Peacock Cichlid - Aulonocara or an Aulonocara kandeense for a complementary Malawi display.
A moderate light period of 7-9 hours is enough. Too much light on a nutrient-rich tank can encourage algae. A full-length LED should match the tank size, but avoid chasing intense blue-only display effects. A soft blue light can make the colours pop temporarily, but a balanced daylight spectrum shows body shape and true tone more naturally.
Always cycle the tank for 4-6 weeks before adding large cichlids. A rushed setup is one of the main reasons people later struggle with cloudy water and unstable water chemistry.
The super vc 10 big-lip hap diet is best described as omnivorous with a strong preference for quality cichlid pellets, spirulina-based foods and occasional frozen items. In the wild, this fish uses its lips to work at surfaces and extract small food items from rock crevices. In captivity, it thrives on varied prepared food rather than a single staple. A balanced menu helps maintain body condition, lip health and colour without pushing the digestive problems common in overfed Malawi cichlids.
Use a high-quality sinking or slow-sinking cichlid pellet as the main diet. Add spirulina flakes or vegetable-enhanced pellets several times a week. This species is not a strict algae grazer, but some plant content supports digestion. Choose formulas made for African cichlids rather than generic tropical flakes.
Frozen mysis, krill, brine shrimp and finely chopped seafood can be offered as supplements. Feed these in moderation, as too much rich protein fouls the water and increases algae problems. Persistent algae usually reflects excess nutrients and light more than a lack of grazers, so manage feeding and maintenance first.
Adults do well on two small feeds per day. Juveniles can be fed three smaller meals. Offer only what they finish in a minute or two. Overfeeding is one of the biggest causes of poor water quality, dirty filters and crashed water parameters, so the keeper must control portions rather than relying on other fish to clean up leftovers.
| Time | Food | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Cichlid pellets with spirulina content | Small portion, eaten in 60-90 seconds |
| Evening | Pellets or frozen mysis/brine shrimp | Light second feed |
Overfeeding causes ammonia spikes, cloudy water and digestive stress. Large Malawi cichlids often beg for food, but constant extra feeding leads to poor water quality much faster than many new keepers expect.
The first thing most people notice is the mouth. The thick, protruding lips are not a deformity but a defining trait of the species. Adult fish develop a strong, elongated body with a broad head, long dorsal fin and substantial depth through the shoulders. Males are usually the most colourful, showing metallic blue to blue-grey tones with darker face markings, while females are plainer and more silver-brown.
The species can reach about 25 cm in captivity, though many specimens sold are much smaller juveniles. This is why the super vc 10 big-lip hap minimum tank size matters so much. Buyers sometimes see a young fish in a dealer's tank and assume it could live in a small setup; in reality, this fish outgrows such tanks quickly.
Under balanced lighting, mature males show a richer sheen than photographs often capture. Our photos show the lip structure, body depth and blue finish that develop with stable water chemistry and low stress. Dark rock backgrounds and pale sand usually create the best contrast. A natural daylight spectrum tends to reveal the fish's true form better than blue-only lighting.
The Super VC 10 is semi-aggressive, but compared with many mbuna it is often more measured and less relentlessly confrontational. That does not make it a standard community tropical fish uk species in the usual tetra-and-gourami sense. A super vc 10 big-lip hap community tank must be planned as a Malawi or large cichlid community, not a mixed small-fish aquarium. If you are looking for super vc 10 big-lip hap compatible fish, focus on species with similar water chemistry needs, similar size and enough confidence to handle cichlid social behaviour.
The best tank mates for super vc 10 big-lip hap include other moderate Malawi haps, Peacock cichlids and robust Synodontis catfish. Suitable companions from our range include the Aulonocara Sp Neon Red Calico Peacock, Rubin Red Peacock Cichlid - Aulonocara, Aulonocara kandeense and, with careful planning, the Yellow Elongatus Cichlid - Chindongo Elongatus in larger, well-structured aquariums.
Avoid tiny schooling fish, shrimp, delicate dwarf cichlids and most soft-water species. This is not a fish for a classic tetra setup, and it is not suitable for novelty predator mixes. Small invertebrates may be harassed or eaten, and very timid fish often fade under the presence of a large Malawi cichlid.
For a 400- to 500-litre aquarium, one male and two females can work with a small group of similarly sized peacocks or haps. In larger tanks, the super vc 10 big-lip hap tank mates list expands, but the principle stays the same: avoid overcrowding and spread aggression through line-of-sight breaks. This species can be excellent in a well-planned Malawi display.
| Species | Compatible? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aulonocara Sp Neon Red Calico Peacock | ✅ Yes | Similar water needs and generally suitable temperament in large Malawi setups. |
| Yellow Elongatus Cichlid - Chindongo Elongatus | ⚠️ Caution | Possible in larger tanks, but mbuna can be more aggressive and territorial. |
| Small tetras or shrimp | ❌ Avoid | Wrong water chemistry, size mismatch and high predation/stress risk. |
Good compatibility also depends on maintenance. Stable water quality reduces aggression, so keep up regular water changes and testing before adding multiple cichlids. Always judge stocking by adult size and temperament, not juvenile behaviour. Note that this species is moderate care rather than one of the easiest fish for beginners.
Always quarantine new arrivals for 2-4 weeks before adding them to a Malawi display. This prevents parasites and gives you time to observe feeding, colour and social behaviour before introduction.
Super vc 10 big-lip hap breeding is achievable in the home aquarium, though it is easier in a mature species tank or carefully managed Malawi breeding setup than in a busy mixed display. This fish is a maternal mouthbrooder, which means the female carries fertilised eggs and developing fry in her mouth. For best results, keep one male with two or three females rather than attempting to maintain a single super vc 10 big-lip hap breeding pair under constant pressure.
Use a tank of at least 400 litres, warm stable water and excellent quality food. Start with space, stable chemistry and low stress. Water should be firmly alkaline at pH 7.5-8.5, with zero ammonia, zero nitrite and low nitrate at all times.
The male intensifies in colour and displays around chosen rockwork, trying to draw females into his territory. After spawning, the female gathers the eggs into her mouth. With mouthbrooders you often will not see eggs exposed for long. Instead, you notice the female holding, refusing food and keeping a fuller throat area.
Incubation usually lasts around 18-28 days depending on temperature and stress levels. Some breeders remove holding females to a separate tank; others leave them in place if the tank is calm. Once released, fry can be raised on newly hatched brine shrimp, powdered fry foods and crushed quality pellets. A dedicated grow-out tank improves survival and growth.
Stress is the main problem. Overactive tank mates, poor water quality or repeated chasing can cause a female to spit early. This is why tank size matters so much — this is not a species for a small tank, and it should not be bought as utility stock during a breeding project.
Condition adults with a varied pellet-and-frozen diet for 2-3 weeks before expected spawning, then keep water changes frequent but modest. Stable conditions trigger breeding more reliably than dramatic temperature shifts or heavy feeding alone.
Many aquarists compare this fish with peacocks and other Malawi haps before buying. The question is not just colour, but adult size, temperament and the type of display you want. The super vc 10 big-lip hap vs other Malawi cichlid discussion usually comes down to whether you prefer unusual morphology and a calmer presence, or brighter but often more active show fish.
| Feature | Super VC 10 Big-Lip Hap | Rubin Red Peacock |
|---|---|---|
| Max Size | Up to 25 cm | Around 13-15 cm |
| Care Level | Moderate | Moderate |
| Temperature | 24-28°C | 24-28°C |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive, often steady | Generally peaceful for a cichlid |
| Best For | Large Malawi display with standout body shape | Bright colour-focused peacock community |
| Feature | Super VC 10 Big-Lip Hap | Yellow Elongatus |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive, often steady | More assertive mbuna style |
| Tank Style | Open rock-and-sand hap setup | Dense rockwork mbuna setup |
| Diet Focus | Pellets, spirulina, frozen foods | More herbivore-focused, caution needed |
| Best For | Feature fish in larger aquariums | Active rocky Malawi communities |
Choose the Super VC 10 if you want a fish with unusual anatomy, measured confidence and a true centrepiece feel. Choose a peacock such as the Rubin Red Peacock Cichlid - Aulonocara or Aulonocara Sp Neon Red Calico Peacock if your priority is brighter colour in a slightly smaller package. Remember this is not a schooling fish; it is best kept in a harem structure of one male to several females.
A healthy specimen is alert, responsive at feeding time, full-bodied without bloating, and shows clear eyes, intact fins and steady breathing. Colour will vary with mood and hierarchy, but persistent darkening, clamped fins or hiding can signal trouble. Like many Malawi cichlids, this species is vulnerable to stress-related digestive issues, parasitic outbreaks and bacterial problems when water quality slips.
Watch for classic cichlid ailments such as whitespot, fin damage from aggression, internal parasites and Malawi bloat-type symptoms linked to stress and diet mistakes. Rapid breathing can indicate poor oxygenation or elevated ammonia. Cloudy eyes, ulcers or frayed fins often point to injury plus secondary infection.
The best prevention is stable water and proper stocking. Test the water regularly with ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH kits. The essentials for this Rift Lake species are a good dechlorinator and, where needed, Malawi buffers or mineral support rather than random bottles. Sensible water treatment starts with a water conditioner and consistent maintenance, not a medication-first approach.
A dedicated quarantine tank is strongly recommended for all new Malawi cichlids. Keep new fish isolated for 2-4 weeks, monitor appetite, waste, respiration and any external signs, then introduce them only when stable. This is especially important when building a mixed African cichlid display, and it protects established fish from pathogens introduced by apparently healthy newcomers.
Never medicate a display tank casually. Treating the wrong problem can damage filter bacteria and worsen stress. Diagnose through observation, water testing and quarantine before reaching for medication.
This species spends much of its time cruising the middle region of the aquarium, inspecting rock faces and responding to movement outside the glass. It is not especially shy once settled, but juveniles can be cautious at first. Adult males become more territorial around display areas, especially during breeding, yet many keepers find them less frantic than similarly sized aggressive mbuna.
The fish is intelligent and quickly learns feeding times. It may investigate decor with its lips and mouth, a behaviour linked to its natural feeding style. To encourage natural behaviour, provide open swimming room, stable rock structures and the right social ratio. A lone specimen can work, but one male with females often shows more interesting social behaviour. For aquarists moving up from a basic community setup into larger Malawi systems, it is a rewarding next step.
When people search to buy tropical fish UK or for tropical fish for sale UK, they are usually looking for healthy stock, honest sizing and safe transport. That matters even more with a species like the Super VC 10 Big-Lip Hap, because juvenile fish can look deceptively plain while healthy, well-started specimens grow into exceptional adults. Our focus with this species is on strong body shape, clean finnage, active feeding response and careful pre-sale observation rather than rushing fish out too early.
Each fish is checked for condition and feeding before dispatch, and we recommend acclimation into mature, hard-water Malawi systems rather than generic mixed tropical tanks. Fish are packed in insulated boxes with appropriate bagging and seasonal heat protection where required. Tracked delivery helps reduce transit time, and clear acclimation guidance is included so buyers who want to buy live fish online uk can do so with confidence.
Order your Super VC 10 Big-Lip Hap today if you want a distinctive, long-lived Malawi centrepiece from a source that understands how this species should be housed, fed and shipped. Every order is covered by our live arrival guarantee.
Build a stronger Malawi display by pairing this fish with compatible species and similar water-chemistry choices. The Aulonocara Sp Neon Red Calico Peacock adds bright contrast, while the Rubin Red Peacock Cichlid - Aulonocara offers classic peacock colour in a slightly smaller frame. For a different Malawi look, consider the Yellow Elongatus Cichlid - Chindongo Elongatus or Aulonocara kandeense in appropriately planned setups.
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 300L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 300L
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24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 300L
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24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 500L