Malawi Eyebiter
Dimidiochromis compressiceps
Cichlidae
About
The Malawi eyebiter is a large, silvery, strongly laterally compressed haplochromine cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, Lake Malombe and the upper Shire River. A stealthy ambush predator, it hangs among tall Vallisneria beds and darts out to seize juvenile utaka and other small shoaling fish. Its slim blade-like profile and big oblique mouth make it an unmistakable and impressive centrepiece for spacious hard-water aquariums.
Care
House in a large 350 L+ tank at least 150 cm long with hard, alkaline water, a sand base, rockwork and tall plants for cover. Keep as a harem of one male to several females and only with robust tankmates too big to be swallowed. Cover the tank securely.
Diet
An obligate fish-eater in nature; feed varied frozen and fresh meaty foods and carnivore pellets, and never keep with fish small enough to become prey.
Tankmate compatibility
Gets along with (1)
Possible with care (59)
Avoid (211)
Computed by the AquaSage engine for a spacious reference tank — always check the full verdict for your exact setup in the calculator.
Telling males from females
What works for this species, most reliable first.
- Extended finsStrong · from about 8 months, and later in a suppressed male
On many cichlids and killifish the male's dorsal and anal fins draw out into trailing points as he matures, while the female's stay rounded.
- VentingA hint only · only on a mature fish, easiest when she is in breeding condition
The method breeders use when the answer has to be right. Hold the fish upside down in a wet hand or soft net and look at the two openings ahead of the anal fin. The forward one is the anus; the one behind it is what you are reading.
- Adult sizeA hint only · only across animals of the same age
In many cichlids, catfish and loaches one sex simply grows larger — usually the male, though there are well-known reversals.
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Frequently asked questions
- What tank size does a Malawi Eyebiter need?
- A Malawi Eyebiter needs an aquarium of at least 350 litres (92.5 US gallons) with a footprint at least 150 cm (59.1 in) long — for this species, swimming length matters as much as raw volume.
- What water parameters does a Malawi Eyebiter need?
- Malawi Eyebiter does best at 23–28 °C (73.4–82.4 °F), pH 7.5–8.8 and a general hardness of 10–25 °dGH.
- What group size does a Malawi Eyebiter need?
- Malawi Eyebiter is a social species — keep a group of at least 4 so natural behaviour emerges and stress stays low.
- Is the Malawi Eyebiter suitable for beginners?
- Malawi Eyebiter sits in the middle of the difficulty scale — manageable for a careful beginner who has done the reading, but it has specific needs worth researching first.