Malawi eyebiter (Dimidiochromis compressiceps)

Scientific name: Dimidiochromis compressiceps Boulenger, 1908

Malawi eyebiter (Dimidiochromis compressiceps)

The Malawi eyebiter (Dimidiochromis compressiceps) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows to about 25 cm (9.8 in). It is easy to keep and peaceful, needs carefully chosen tank mates and needs a tank of at least 210 L (55 US gal), water at 22–28°C (72–82°F) and a pH of 7.5–8.3. Native range: Africa, Widely distributed in Lake Malawi, upper Shire River and Lake Malombe.

Malawi eyebiter care at a glance

Care level
Easy
Temperament
Peaceful
Community tank
With caution
Adult size
25 cm (9.8 in)
Minimum tank
210 L (55 US gal)
Temperature
22–28°C (72–82°F)
pH
7.5–8.3
Hardness
9–19 dGH (161–339 ppm)
Diet
Carnivore. Accepts flakes, frozen foods and live foods.

Biology

Diagnosis: easily recognised by its compressed head and body.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Dimidiochromis compressiceps
Family
Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order
Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
23.0
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 8.0 - 8.0; dH range: 9 - 19 benthopelagic
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Africa: widely distributed in Lake Malawi, upper Shire River and Lake Malombe.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Aquarium: commercial
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

More african cichlids

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Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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