Placidochromis milomo - VC 10

The VC 10 (Placidochromis milomo) is a stunning addition to your aquarium, often regarded as the most aggressive in its genus. These semi-large fish feature thick vertical barring and develop a striking iridescent blue coloration overlaid with red, which can give them a purple hue when they are excited. With a manageable size of up to 10 inches, the VC 10 is suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists. It thrives in well-maintained environments and on a varied diet.

Male vs Female Coloration: Male VC 10s display vibrant iridescent blues with red overtones, enhancing their purple coloration when excited, along with their pronounced lips. Females and juveniles typically exhibit thick vertical barring and are less colorful compared to males.

Behavior and Tank Requirements: The VC 10 does well in both all-male show tanks and as a breeding project. When kept in an all-male show tank, ensure there is plenty of swimming space and avoid housing them with similarly colored fish to minimize aggression.

•  In breeding setups, it's recommended to house a single male with several females to manage aggression that can arise during spawning.

Unique Traits: A notable characteristic of the VC 10 is its development of huge lips in the wild due to its hunting behavior, though this trait is rarely observed in captivity.

Compatibility: To maintain a balanced tank environment, avoid aggressive or overly territorial tankmates, as well as similarly-colored fish, which might provoke hostility. It's best to avoid keeping them with Mbuna. Suitable tankmates include most Haplochromis and Aulonocara species, and Haps such as the Red Empress.

Tank Parameters:

• Native to: Lake Malawi, Africa

• Max adult size: 10 inches

• Diet: Omnivore

• Care skill: Beginner

• Temperature range: 74°F - 81°F (We recommend 75-77°F) 

• pH range: 7.7 - 8.6

• GH range: 175 ppm - 400 ppm

• Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons

Introduce the VC 10 to your home aquarium, and enjoy its striking appearance and engaging personality.