Malawi Eyebiter, lat. Dimidiochromis compressiceps- Dimidiochromis compressiceps distribution
Family: Cichlidae;
Genus: Dimidiochromis;
Species and synonyms: Malawi Eyebiter (Dimidiochromis compressiceps, Malawi Eyebiter, Malawi Eye-biter, Haplochromis compressiceps).
GBIF:
Malawi Eyebiter (lat. Dimidiochromis compressiceps) is a species of ray-finned fish from the order Cichliformes, family Cichlidae, genus Dimidiochromis. An endemic of Lake Malawi (Nyasa) in East Africa, one of the most unusual and largest predators of the lake.
Distribution. Dimidiochromis compressiceps is endemic to Lake Malawi, where it is widely distributed throughout the lake. Prefers open waters with sandy or rocky bottoms, often found in areas with aquatic vegetation. Usually stays at depths from 2 to 30 meters. It has been recorded as an introduced species in some countries.
Care requirements. The Malawi Eyebiter is a large fish, growing up to 20–25 cm in the aquarium and up to 30 cm in the wild. To keep a group or a pair, an aquarium of at least 400 liters with a length of 150 cm is recommended. Optimal water parameters: temperature 24–28°C, hardness 10–25 dGH, pH 7.5–8.5. Powerful filtration, good aeration and weekly water changes of 20–25% are necessary. Sandy or fine gravel substrate, large stones and driftwood creating shelters are placed at the bottom. Plants with tough leaves are preferable.
Malawi Eyebiters are predatory fish, feeding on small fish, fry and invertebrates in the wild. In the aquarium, their diet should consist of high-quality pellets for large cichlids, live and frozen foods (large bloodworms, shrimp, mussels, fish fillet). It is important to provide protein-rich food. Feed should be 1–2 times a day in small portions.
In the aquarium, Malawi Eyebiters are active in the middle and upper water layers. They are predatory and may eat small fish, so it is recommended to keep them only with large fish of comparable size. Recommended tankmates include other large Malawi cichlids (e.g., Astronotus, Tilapia cichlids), large catfish. It is not recommended to keep them with small fish that will be perceived as food.
Breeding in home aquariums is difficult due to the specific nature of spawning and the large size of the fish. Malawi Eyebiters are maternal mouthbrooders: the female carries eggs and fry in her mouth for 3–4 weeks. They reach sexual maturity at 2–3 years. To stimulate spawning, water changes with fresh water and a temperature increase of 1–2°C are recommended. The male attracts the female to a chosen site, after spawning the female takes the eggs into her mouth and incubates them. Fry are fed Artemia nauplii, small bloodworms and grow rather quickly.
The Malawi Eyebiter gets its name from its characteristic body shape: it is strongly compressed laterally and resembles a knife blade, allowing the fish to maneuver quickly and suck in prey. Coloration varies from greyish-blue to bright blue with a reddish tinge on the fins. Males have brighter coloration and are larger than females. Life expectancy is 10–15 years.
Altolamprologus compressiceps