Edit Dimidiochromis compressiceps
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Name
Scientific name
Dimidiochromis compressiceps
Described by
Not recorded
Family
Cichlidae
Common names
Malawi Eye-Biter
Photograph credits
All 2 credited
Summary
The Malawi eye-biter, Dimidiochromis compressiceps, is a predatory cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, where it is widely distributed. An ambus…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
250mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 150 cm, Minimum depth 38 cm, Minimum height 45 cm, Water movement Low: still or sluggish water
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 23–28°C, pH 7.5–8.8
Hardness
10–25dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Predatory
Social needs
Not recorded
Community suitability
Not recorded
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Lake Malawi
Writing
Etymology
Not written yet
Distribution
Endemic to Lake Malawi, where it's widely distributed.
Habitat
Usually found in areas of shallow water in and around patches of submerged vegetation..
Aquarium size
150 ∗ 38 ∗ 45 cm - ~257 litres.
Maintenance
Set up the aquarium with piles of rocks arranged to form caves, large areas of open water for swimming and preferably a sandy substrate. Planting with Vallisne…
Water conditions
Temperature: 23 – 28 °C pH: 7.5-8.8 Hardness: 10-25°H
Diet
Will accept dried foods such as pellets but these should not form the basis of the diet. Although this fish is a piscivore by nature, it can easily be trained …
Behaviour and compatibility
A predatory species with a large mouth that should not be kept with fish under around 5" in length, as these will be eaten. It's peaceful enough with species t…
Sexual dimorphism
Adult males are much more colourful than females, which are predominantly a plain silvery colour.
Reproduction
Not easy. Polygamous maternal mouthbrooder. The breeding aquarium shouold be at least 60" in length. This should be furnished as suggested above with the addit…
Notes
D. compressiceps is an ambush predator in nature, its laterally compressed shape and head-down hunting position allowing it to remain hidden among Vallisneria …
References
References
No references