Dimidiochromis compressiceps

82°F

Explanation of the symbols

72°F

Family : Cichlidae Origin : Lake Malawi Length : 25 cm - 10" Min. length aquarium : 200 cm - 80" English name : Malawi eyebiter

This fish is a real predator.  You cannot keep him together with small fish because he will eat them.  You should keep them in a large aquarium with a thick sandy substrate.  The aquarium should be set up with stones that form caves and hiding places and on the sides densely planted with Vallisneria.  He hides between Vallisneria waiting for his prey.  It is also a hiding place for females with their young.  He is called the Malawi eye biter but experiments have proved other predatory fish bite eyes too.  You should keep one male together with several females.  You should give them live food such as small fishes, waterinsects and Artemia.  They eat algae as well. Breeding is not difficult.  The eggs are laid in a pit.  After that the female immediately takes the eggs in the mouth.  They are fertilized by the male using the dummy egg method.  When the eggs are hatched, the young fishes stay in the mouth of the mother for 10 days.  After that they are left alone.

Photo Credit

Jan Bukkems

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