African Cichlid | Compressiceps Cichlid

Scientific Name:Scientific Name: Dimidiochromis compressiceps

Common Name: Malawi Eye-Biter, Compressiceps Cichlid

Adult Size: 10 inches

Life Expectancy: 7-10 years

Habitat: Lake Malawi, Africa

Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons

Ideal Tank Conditions:

• pH : 7.0-8.0
• Temperature : 78°F
• Water Hardness : 5° to 18°

Temperament: Aggressive; highly predatory and will kill any fish smaller than themselves.

Diet/Nutrition: Omnivore/piscivore; with a large portion of their diet being small bony fish. They will kill and eat any fish that is smaller and 1/2 its size. It is not necessary to feed live feeder fish, which as with any cichlid will heighten aggression. They may be fed silversides, lancefish, prawns, cockle, mussel and other shellfish, shrimp, and some green veggies.

They do need some vegetable matter to help prevent Malawi bloat. Some cichlids cannot eat beefheart, so keep this in mind when housing these with the Malawi Eyebiter.

Breeding: A mouth-brooder that forms a matriarchal family. Group one male with several females since the males can be quite aggressive towards the females during spawning time. They like a flat stone or slate to lay their eggs. Make sure this breeding site is not near a strong water flow since the eggs are externally fertilized. Once the fry have been released take them out of the tank as the male has no qualms about eating the fry. 

Gender: Males are colorful and typically larger. Females are smaller and mostly silver in color.

Compatible Tank Mates: See Compatibility Chart