Dimidiochromis compressiceps

Common name Malawi Eye-biter Picture of Dimidiochromis compressiceps
Adult male

Adult female
Photos taken at Wharf Aquatics
© Sean Evans

Scientific name Dimidiochromis compressiceps

Synonyms Haplochromis compressiceps

Size Up to 10" (25cm)

Origin Lake Malawi, East Africa

Tank setup A large tank (suggest 100 gallons plus if kept with other fish) with some rock caves and plenty of open swimming space. Plants such as Vallis can be added.

Compatibility Predatory towards small fishes. Combine with other open-water Malawi species which are not too aggressive, such as Copadochromis and Aulonocara.

Temperature 23-28^oC (73-82^oF)

Water chemistry Hard and alkaline: pH 7.6-8.6 ; GH 7 plus ; KH 10-12

Feeding Predator, feed a meaty diet.

Sexing Males are much more colourful, females are mainly silver.

Breeding The male may dig a shallow spawning pit and display to attract the female to it. A mouthbrooder, the female will incubate the eggs and fry for about 3 weeks. The male is likely to eat the fry once released. Feed fry on small frozen/live foods such as baby brine shrimp, cyclops and daphnia.

Comments As the name implies, this cichlid has a strikingly compressed shape. Despite its common name, it is unlikely to take the eyes of tankmates when fed regularly.

Malawi

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This website was last updated on 18th January 2008

Common name	Malawi Eye-biter	Adult male Adult female Photos taken at Wharf Aquatics `© Sean Evans`
Scientific name	Dimidiochromis compressiceps
Synonyms	Haplochromis compressiceps
Size	Up to 10" (25cm)
Origin	Lake Malawi, East Africa
Tank setup	A large tank (suggest 100 gallons plus if kept with other fish) with some rock caves and plenty of open swimming space. Plants such as Vallis can be added.
Compatibility	Predatory towards small fishes. Combine with other open-water Malawi species which are not too aggressive, such as Copadochromis and Aulonocara.
Temperature	23-28^oC (73-82^oF)
Water chemistry	Hard and alkaline: pH 7.6-8.6 ; GH 7 plus ; KH 10-12
Feeding	Predator, feed a meaty diet.
Sexing	Males are much more colourful, females are mainly silver.
Breeding	The male may dig a shallow spawning pit and display to attract the female to it. A mouthbrooder, the female will incubate the eggs and fry for about 3 weeks. The male is likely to eat the fry once released. Feed fry on small frozen/live foods such as baby brine shrimp, cyclops and daphnia.
Comments	As the name implies, this cichlid has a strikingly compressed shape. Despite its common name, it is unlikely to take the eyes of tankmates when fed regularly.