Malawi Eyebiter - Dimidiochromis compressiceps - Large Adult
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Though its nickname seems ominous, the Malawi Eyebiter (Dimidiochromis compressiceps) does not necessarily practice this behavior. It is, however, quite an aggressive cichlid that should be kept with other cichlids of similar aggression or with fish that are not small enough to be eaten.
The Malawi Eyebiter 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.
Malawian and Victorian cichlids are similar in care and temperament, leading to fish from these two lakes being grouped together in the hobby. Several hundreds species of cichlid are found in Lake Malawi, along with many regional variations, but Lake Victoria has far fewer due to the introduction of invasive predators. Most cichlids in both lakes are rock-dwellers. They seldom stray far from the rocky bottoms and sides of the lake and will quickly dart into the rocks to hide. As with all cichlids, they are very territorial and will not tolerate other cichlids around "their" crevice.
Two of the most popular groups of these cichlids are the "Peacocks" (mostly the Aulonocara genus) and "Mbuna's" (native term for "rock fish" and including the genera Pseudotropheus, Labidochromis, Maylandia, Melanochromis and others). While aggression and compatibility can vary from species to species, mixing Mbuna and Peacock cichlids is not usually recommended. Mbuna cichlids tend to be more aggressive and may bully the usually more passive Peacocks but some Mbuna cichlids are far more aggressive than others. Several other groups of cichlids can also be found from these lakes, some of which can be large and aggressive predators; research all choices carefully.
Decor for a Malawi/Victoria aquarium should be very rocky. Rock "piles" and shelf-like backgrounds are common designs and can be made from tufa rock, lava rock or slate. Substrates can range from the whitish coral sand used in saltwater aquariums to black freshwater sand or even regular decorative gravels. Wood tends to lower pH and is not usually recommended for African cichlid aquariums.
Visit That Fish Blog for more information from our marine biologists and aquarium staff on African cichlids and many other topics!
Specifications
Specifications | |
Common Name | Malawi Eyebiter - Large Adult |
Scientific Name | Dimidiochromis compressiceps |
Origin | Lake Malawi (Africa) |
Max Size (in inches) | 11 |
Community Safe | Yes, with caution (African cichlids only) |
pH Range | 7.8-8.6 |
Diet | Carnivore |
Min Tank Size (in gallons) | 100 |
Temperature Range | 76-80 |
Difficulty | Easy |
State Restrictions |
Alaska |
Armed Forces Americas |
Armed Forces Europe |
Armed Forces Pacific |
California |
Hawaii |
Puerto Rico |