A striking Lake Malawi Haplochromine famous for developing extremely thick, rubbery lips used to extract prey from rocky crevices in the wild. Its nickname 'Super VC10' is a nod to its surprisingly fast burst speed, named after the Vickers VC10 aircraft. While generally milder than Mbuna, they are large, active predators that require hard, alkaline water and substantial swimming space.
Milomo Hap (Super VC10) At a Glance
Milomo Hap (Super VC10) Tank Requirements
Will Milomo Hap (Super VC10) fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Milomo Hap (Super VC10) needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Milomo Hap (Super VC10) against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Milomo Hap (Super VC10) Water Parameters
Water care products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Milomo Hap (Super VC10) Temperament & Compatibility
Milomo Hap (Super VC10) Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male (Adult)
Dominant adult males showcase striking metallic blues or greens with distinct dark barring, along with highly pronounced, fleshy lips. They are territorial, especially towards other similar-looking Haps.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Show Male, Adult Male
Female
Females are slightly smaller, retaining a silver-brown base color with prominent dark vertical bars. They are less aggressive than males and can be kept in harems.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Female Hap, Sub-dominant
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Young unsexed specimens. They grow rapidly in their first year and lack the adult coloration and exaggerated lips. Can be grown out in a smaller aquarium before being transferred to a permanent massive hap/peacock display.
Differs in 5 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby VC10, Unsexed Juvenile
Milomo Hap (Super VC10) Care Guide Summary
The Milomo Hap (Super VC10), scientifically known as Placidochromis milomo, belongs to the Cichlids - African family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 25 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Milomo Hap (Super VC10) requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 450 litres and a tank length of at least 150 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 7.8–8.6 and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Milomo Hap (Super VC10) is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 3 varieties: Male (Adult), Female, and Juvenile (Grow-out). Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Milomo Hap (Super VC10) Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Milomo Hap (Super VC10), a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Milomo Hap (Super VC10) Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Milomo Hap (Super VC10) is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks, territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited, and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Milomo Hap (Super VC10) Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Milomo Hap (Super VC10).
Feeding products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
.webp?2026-04-25T14%3A35%3A38.022Z)
Frequently Asked Questions About Milomo Hap (Super VC10)
How big does Milomo Hap (Super VC10) get?
Milomo Hap (Super VC10) (Placidochromis milomo) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 25 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Milomo Hap (Super VC10) need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 450 litres and a tank length of at least 150 cm are recommended for Milomo Hap (Super VC10). This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Milomo Hap (Super VC10) need?
Milomo Hap (Super VC10) thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 7.8 and 8.6, and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Milomo Hap (Super VC10) peaceful or aggressive?
Milomo Hap (Super VC10) is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 6 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
Can Milomo Hap (Super VC10) live alone?
Yes, Milomo Hap (Super VC10) can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Milomo Hap (Super VC10) have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Milomo Hap (Super VC10) benefits from sand (sifters) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Milomo Hap (Super VC10)
These plants pair well with Milomo Hap (Super VC10) based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Gillet's Anubias
Anubias gilletii
Java Fern
Leptochilus pteropus
Java Moss
Taxiphyllum barbieri
Fish Similar to Milomo Hap (Super VC10)
Malawi Gar
Lichnochromis acuticeps
An elegant, predatory Haplochromine cichlid from Lake Malawi, named for its elongated, torpedo-shaped body and pointed snout. While it is a true piscivore that will hunt small fish, it is surprisingly peaceful toward other similarly sized cichlids. A fantastic centerpiece for a large 'Hap and Peacock' setup.
Livingston's Cichlid
Nimbochromis livingstonii
A large, highly predatory African cichlid (Haplochromine) from Lake Malawi. Famous for its unique ambush hunting strategy called thanatosis: it lies flat on the sand substrate pretending to be dead to lure small fish, then snaps them up. They require hard, alkaline water, a very large tank, and a sandy substrate to exhibit natural behaviors. Anything that fits in its mouth will be eaten.
Buccochromis rhoadesii
Buccochromis rhoadesii
A massive, apex-predator Haplochromine cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi. They are open-water pursuit predators characterized by an immense mouth and a distinct diagonal stripe across the body. Due to their enormous adult size and strictly piscivorous nature, they require massive aquariums and can only be housed with similarly large, robust species. Any tank mate small enough to fit in their mouth will be eaten.
Three-Spot Torpedo Hap
Exochochromis anagenys
A striking, large predatory haplochromine cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi. Known for its torpedo-shaped body (fusiform), it is an open-water hunter that preys on smaller fish like mbuna. While highly predatory and requiring a massive tank, they are relatively mild-mannered toward tankmates too large to be swallowed. Conspecific males, however, are violently intolerant of one another.
Venustus Cichlid (Giraffe Hap)
Nimbochromis venustus
A large, striking Haplochromine cichlid from Lake Malawi. Named for its elegant 'giraffe-like' blotched pattern. In the wild, they are specialized ambush predators that lie motionless in the sand to attract and consume smaller fish. They require large aquariums, hard alkaline water, and cannot be kept with fish small enough to fit in their mouths.
Haplochromis sp. 44 (Thick Skin)
Haplochromis sp. 44
A stunning but highly aggressive cichlid originating from the Lake Victoria basin. Known in the hobby as 'CH44', they are famous for the male's intense coloration featuring red, yellow, and blue with distinct black vertical barring. Due to their extreme territoriality, they require a spacious aquarium with plenty of rockwork (caves) to break line of sight, and must be kept in specific male-to-female ratios.