Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Live Plant Safe: No

General Description: The Hap Super VC 10 are endemic to rocky areas of Lake Malawi that have an abundance of algae. You may be thinking to yourself how this fish got such an odd name? It was named after the Vickers VC10 jet airliner known for making trips between England and Malawi at the time this species was described in 1989. This aircraft had very good short field performance and likewise, the Hap VC 10 is swift at avoiding being caught with nets. Naming it after this plane only seemed fitting for its supersonic nature! Adult males are beautiful, developing bright blue bodies with red dots on each scale. Females and juveniles have tan bodies with brown vertical stripes. Adult fishes also develop thick lips which they use in the wild to scrape algae off of rocks. The majority of specimens within the aquarium trade are commercially produced through aquaculture and farms, however, and these specimens may not develop as dramatic of lips as wild caught fish. A relatively peaceful fish, the Hap VC 10 would not fare well in aggressive African cichlid tanks such as those that contain various species of Mbuna. Its adult size of up to 10″ may be slightly intimidating, however this fish rarely exhibits aggression outside of spawning. Hap VC 10 are quite active and would do best in a tank that provides such space for ample exploration and movement. This species would prefer to be kept singly as they are truly solitary in nature outside of spawning.

Diet Requirements: Hap VC 10 are omnivorous, though a greater proportion of the diet should be vegetable based. Various high quality vegetable and protein based flake foods and sinking pellet foods are acceptable. Frozen foods such as spirulina or standard brine shrimp, bloodworms and other mixed freshwater preparations should also be offered. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.

Care Requirements: An established minimum 75 gallon aquarium is ideal for a small Hap VC 10. An adult will require more space. Biweekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters up to standard (Nitrates < 30 ppm) and the aquarium should be well oxygenated. The aquarium should be aquascaped with some stacked rocks to create hiding spaces and caves, but for this species, more unobstructed and open swimming space should be provided. African cichlid specific substrates are great choices because they will buffer the pH and alkalinity to levels characteristic of Lake Malawi. Hap VC 10 would thrive best in an African cichlid tank with more peaceful Malawian and Tanganyikan fish. Recommended water conditions, 74-80° F, KH 10-25, pH 7.5-8.5.

Purchase Size: Medium: 1-1/2” to 2”; Large: 3” to 3-1/2”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.