Milomo Cichlid

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Placidochromis milomo
• Common Name: Milomo Cichlid, Super VC-10
• Adult Size: 10–12 inches (25–30 cm)
• Life Expectancy: 8–10 years
• Habitat: Native to Lake Malawi, particularly near rocky shorelines and sediment-rich zones. Prefers deeper waters compared to many Mbuna species. Known for scraping algae and biofilm from rocks.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons (due to large adult size and territorial behavior)
• Ideal Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• pH Range: 7.8–8.6
• Water Hardness: 10–20 dGH

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive to aggressive

  • Males are territorial, especially in breeding conditions
  • Best kept with similarly sized, robust cichlids like large Haps and Peacocks
  • Avoid housing with small or peaceful species, as they may be bullied or eaten

Diet & Nutrition

• Omnivorous: Yes
  • In the wild, feeds on aufwuchs (algae and tiny organisms scraped from rocks)
  • In captivity, feed high-quality cichlid pellets, vegetable matter (spirulina-based foods), and occasional protein-rich foods like krill or brine shrimp

  • Avoid fatty foods or excessive meaty protein to prevent digestive issues

Appearance

• Males are deep blue to purplish with a thick, fleshy lip—a trademark trait
• Females are typically more subdued in color (gray or brownish)
• Stocky, elongated body with broad head and heavy jaw
• Fins often show a hint of red or orange in mature males

Distinctive Features

• Best known for their thick, rubbery lips, which they use to scrape food from rock surfaces — this feature is more pronounced in adult males
• Large and dominant presence in Lake Malawi tanks
• Displays classic sexual dimorphism: only males develop intense coloration
• Mouthbrooder: females incubate eggs and fry in their mouths for 2–3 weeks
• Needs plenty of space and rockwork for territory formation