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VC-10 thicklip cichlid (Placidochromis milomo) — Cichlidae

VC-10 thicklip cichlid

Placidochromis milomo
Family: Cichlidae

The VC-10 thicklip cichlid (Placidochromis milomo) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 19 cm.

Length
18.7 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
4.0–35.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Malawi
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The VC-10 thicklip cichlid is a cichlid (Cichlidae) endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa, in the transition zone between rock and sand. The species grows to about 20 cm and has an elongate, blue-grey body with conspicuously thick, fleshy lips with which it 'sucks' over rock crevices to dislodge hidden invertebrates. The female broods the eggs and young in her mouth. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the VC-10 thicklip cichlid?

The VC-10 thicklip cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly blue.

Where does the VC-10 thicklip cichlid live?

The VC-10 thicklip cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Africa: Malawi

How big does the VC-10 thicklip cichlid get?

The VC-10 thicklip cichlid grows to a maximum of about 19 cm.

Is the VC-10 thicklip cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the VC-10 thicklip cichlid is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the VC-10 thicklip cichlid edible?

Yes, the VC-10 thicklip cichlid is commonly eaten.

More photos

VC-10 thicklip cichlid (Placidochromis milomo) — Cichlidae — 2
SAIAB (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — SAIAB
VC-10 thicklip cichlid (Placidochromis milomo) — Cichlidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) H L Ooi, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
VC-10 thicklip cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Placidochromis milomo
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Haplochromis super vc 10; Super VC-10 hap; Brown-white Labrosus verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
18.7 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Blue sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
4.0 verified
Max depth (m)
35.0 verified
Natural range
Africa: Malawi sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Placidochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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