Fishician®Diet
Carnivore – cichlid pellets, frozen fish, shrimp; notorious eye-biter in the wild
Aquarium species profile
Malawi Eyebiter
Dimidiochromis compressiceps · Africa (Lake Malawi — weedy shallows)
Minimum tank125 gal
Adult size10"
Care levelModerate
TemperamentAggressive
Temperature76–82°F
pH range7.8–8.5
Compatible tank mates
Large Malawi cichlids only — haps and large mbuna of similar size
Tank mates to avoid
Small fish (will eat), anything with eyes it can target
Care notes
One of the most laterally compressed (flat-sided) cichlids, allowing it to ambush prey from the side. Its common name comes from its wild habit of biting the eyes out of other fish. Males develop blue sheen over silver. Keep with robust large cichlids only. A fascinating but demanding species.
Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.