Malawi Eye Biter Cichlid

Scientific Name: Dimidiochromis compressiceps
Maximum Size: 11″ inches
Temperature Range: 78 – 82 °F
pH Range: 7.8 – 8.6
Water Hardness: Hard
Temperament: Peaceful to mildly aggressive
Origin: Lake Malawi

Malawi Eye Biter - African Cichlid

Aquarium Setup:
The Malawi Eye Biter, in its natural habitat, prefers to hang out in the dense reeds which grow in the sediment rich bay areas of Lake Malawi. You will want to provide plenty of plants (artificial or real) with a substrate of sand or very fine gravel.

Diet:
The Malawi Eye Biter is a carnivore. This cichlid prefers live food, but freeze dried shrimp, meal worms, or Malawi Eye Biter - African Cichlidsome types of pellets will suffice. If you choose to feed your Malawi Eye Biter with prepared foods you should give it live food as a treat occasionally.

Behavior:
The Malawi Eye Biter is a carnivorous predator and can be peaceful to mildly aggressive. How this fish will behave will depend upon the size of the tank and density of fish as well as the types of fish.

Color:
The Malawi Eye Biter typically has a whitish to silver color with a brown stripe running down its side. Adult males will exhibit bright blue colors with shades of red and orange appearing on their fins.

Breeding:
The Malawi Eye Biter exhibits sexual dimorphism and is a maternal mouth brooder. This fish has a very large mouth in relation to it’s body size. Its jaw is actually almost a third of its total length. The females can brood around 250 fry at a time.



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Dimidiochromis compressiceps

Dimidiochromis compressiceps “Malawi Eye-biter” – Juvenile

Though its nickname seems ominous, the Malawi Eye Biter does not necessarily practice this behavior. It is, however, quite an aggressive cichlid that should be kept with other cichlids of similar aggression.The Compressiceps is a beautiful cichlid as a juvenile and adult. The compressed body shape and strange looking underbite allow these fish to squeeze into rock crevices in pursuit of prey. Dominant males are deep metallic blue with a faint black stripe along each side and red accents in the dorsal and anal fins.In the wild, Compressiceps tend to hide amongst the tall plants waiting for prey. In the aquarium, these fish will eat fish that are small enough to swallow, but should be fed predator pellets or a variety of meaty frozen foods for optimal health. Tank decor can vary depending on what other cichlids you are keeping with your Compressiceps, though planted areas or caves will surely be appreciated. Due to the size and aggression of these fisha 90 gallon is recommended at minimum, larger if you plant to breed or keep more than one male.

Dimidiochromis compressiceps

Dimidiochromis compressiceps “Albino Malawi Eye-biter” – Juvenile

Though its nickname seems ominous, the Malawi Eye Biter does not necessarily practice this behavior. It is, however, quite an aggressive cichlid that should be kept with other cichlids of similar aggression. The Compressiceps is a beautiful cichlid as a juvenile and adult. The compressed body shape and strange looking underbite allow these fish to squeeze into rock crevices in pursuit of prey. The albino form is exceptionally striking because of the striking contrast that this fish will have in the aquarium. In the wild, Compressiceps tend to hide amongst the tall plants waiting for prey. In the aquarium, these fish will eat fish that are small enough to swallow, but should be fed predator pellets or a variety of meaty frozen foods for optimal health. Tank decor can vary depending on what other cichlids you are keeping with your Compressiceps, though planted areas or caves will surely be appreciated. Due to the size and aggression of these fisha 90 gallon is recommended at minimum, larger if you plant to breed or keep more than one male.

Filed under: Lake Malawi

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