| Scientific Name | Dimidiochromis Compressiceps |
| Common Name(s) | Malawi Eye Biter |
| Geographical Origin | All around Lake Malawi |
| Habitat | Among Reef stands and Vallisneria beds in sediment-rich bays Where |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Aquarium Temperament | Peaceful, can be kept with other Haplochromis |
| Gender Differences | Dimorphic | Males will get a while Females will remain silver. |
| Breeding | Maternal Mouthbrooder |
| Maximum Size | ~ 11 inches | 27 cm |
| pH | 7.8 – 8.6 |
| Water Hardness | Hard |
| Temperature | 78 – 82°F | 25 – 27°C |
| Recommended Aquarium | ~ 100 Gallons | 350 Liters |
| Aquarium Notes | These are non-territorial fish, meaning you can keep them with a lot of other fish species. The species prey on juveniles. They will often hide from sight if the aquarium decorations allow this. |
- Dimidiochromis Compressiceps is literally the most compressed Malawi Cichlid.
- Its streamlined body makes this species a perfect predator; often referred to as the Malawi Eye-biter, it is the only known predator to eat its prey tail first. It has also been observed biting the eyes out of other fish prior to devouring them, hence its common name.
- You will see this fish in aquariums with smaller fish constantly hunting them, it takes an approach from above the prey and launches at them at incredible speed.
- This species requires a tank as large as possible, but a minimum of 100 gallons (~350 liters) is required, and it should be densely planted along the tank’s perimeter with Vallisneria or similar reefy plants. Include a deep, sandy bottom, numerous rocks for hiding, and good filtration.
- The Compressiceps is a mouthbrooder with the fertilization of the eggs outside the female mouth (external fertilization) but can also fertilize partly in the mouth like most Mbunas.
- A small group of 5 to 7 females and one male will provide the optimal breeding opportunities.
- If you decide to breed them, know that the mouth formation accommodates extra large spawns of even 200 fry.
- The Compressiceps requires a diet of live or frozen meaty foods, or a good quality flake or pellet food designed for African Cichlids.
- Dimidiochromis Compressiceps should be kept separate from any other member of the Dimidiochromisfamily since hybridization can and will happen in a closed environment like an aquarium. Be warned that Juveniles of these species are very hard to tell apart when buying them.
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