How big is a Malawi eye biter?

Where does the Malawi eyebiter Dimidiochromis compressiceps live?

The Malawi Eyebiter Dimidiochromis compressiceps was described by Boulenger in 1908. It occurs in the Africa rift lake area and are found in many areas of Lake Malawi, the upper Shire River, Lake Malombe, and Mozambique. This species is listed on the IUCN Red List as Lease Concern (LC).

What is Dimidiochromis compressiceps?

Dimidiochromis compressiceps. A native of Lake Malawi, Africa, this aggressive cichlid is known to bite the eyes out of prey (thus the nickname). It also devours its prey starting with the tail, perhaps the only predator that does this.

What can I Feed my Malawi eye-biters?

Food and feeding Malawi eye-biters are highly carnivorous. Dimidiochromis compressiceps will accept cichlid pellets, krill, mussels, and shrimp. Do not be tempted to feed them feeder fish as this could make them more aggressive to their tank mates.

Can Malawi cichlids live with Mbuna?

But many of the Malawi Cichlids are from the Haplochromis group, often referred to as Haps or Haplochromis cichlids in the aquarium hobby. These cichlids inhabit both sandy areas and open waters. Most of the more peaceful species should not be housed with Mbuna Cichlids.

How to take care of Malawi cichlids?

Consider getting something with Spirulina flakes which is high in protein and other nutrients Malawi cichlids need. Give your fish only as much food as they can consume in 20-30 seconds. Do this by sprinkling in food 3-4 times a day, which can ensure that each fish gets enough to eat and can prevent aggression.

What is the pH of Lake Malawi?

Lake Malawi has a pH of 7.7 to 8.7, and Lake Tanganyika can get as high as 9.3. The best range for these fish is a pH of 8.5, though they can survive in a neutral pH of 7, or even in an acid pH of 6.

What do Dimidiochromis compressiceps eat?

Dimidiochromis compressiceps will accept cichlid pellets, krill, mussels, and shrimp. Do not be tempted to feed them feeder fish as this could make them more aggressive to their tank mates. Africa; this species is endemic to Lake Malawi.

How does the compressiceps reproduce?

The Compressiceps is a mouthbrooder with the fertilization of the eggs outside the female mouth (external fertilization) but can also fertilize partly in the mouth like most Mbunas. A small group of 5 to 7 females and one male will provide the optimal breeding opportunities.

What are the characteristics of A compressiceps?

Include a deep, sandy bottom, numerous rocks for hiding, and good filtration. The Compressiceps is a mouthbrooder with the fertilization of the eggs outside the female mouth (external fertilization) but can also fertilize partly in the mouth like most Mbunas.

Can Dimidiochromis compressiceps be kept together?

Dimidiochromis Compressiceps should be kept separate from any other member of the Dimidiochromisfamily since hybridization can and will happen in a closed environment like an aquarium. Be warned that Juveniles of these species are very hard to tell apart when buying them.

What is Mbuna cichlid?

Zebra Mbuna Cichlid is a beautiful cichlid species from Lake Malawi. This fish is a member of the Labeotropheus fuelleborni species, which includes the Yellow Zebra, The Blue Zebra and the Green Zebra. The name Mbuna is an abbreviation of Mpimbwe- meaning rock in Chichewa, one of the main languages used in Malawi.

What do Malawi eyebiter fish eat?

Foods and Feeding. The Malawi Eyebiter is an 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 for sure. It is not necessary to feed live feeder fish, which as with any cichlid will heighten aggression.

What is a Malawi eyebiter?

Malawi eyebiter ( Dimidiochromis compressiceps) is a species of fish in the family Cichlidae. This predatory cichlid is endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa.

What is the color of Haplochromis compressiceps?

The females are basically silver and the juveniles are light in color. All Haplochromis Compressiceps have a dark horizontal line down the middle of the body, extending from behind the eye to the base of the tail fin.

Can Malawi cichlids live with other fish?

Malawi cichlids are notoriously aggressive and should not be housed with other fish types, despite any examples you may have seen where other species have been forced to live with them in the confines of an aquarium.

Is Lake Malawi alkaline or acidic?

Conversely, Africa’s Lake Malawi has a very hard, alkaline composition. The average pH value of the lake is around 8.3, with an average hardness reading of 18dH.

What is the temperature of the water in Lake Malawi?

The temperature of the water in Lake Malawi varies throughout the year, with the average reading being 25 o C (77 o F). This is considered to be at the lower end of the temperature range to which many Botiine loaches are accustomed to.

What size aquarium for a Malawi eye-biter?

The Malawi Eye-Biter (Dimidiochromis compressiceps) grows to about 10 to 11 inches in length and requires an aquarium of at least 70 gallons in size, but does better in a longer aquarium like a 125 gallon.

How big is a Malawian aquarium filter?

Endemic to Lake Malawi, where it’s widely distributed. Usually found in areas of shallow water in and around patches of submerged vegetation.. 10″ (25cm). 60″ x 15″ x 18″ (150cm x 37.5cm x 45cm) – 250 litres. Aquarium filters which have been highly recommended by customers in your area can be found here.

Can Tanganyika cichlids be kept with other fish in a tank?

The territorial and aggressive temperament of these cichlids makes them totally unsuitable for general community tanks. This may also make them less suitable for mixing with other cichlids, including Tanganyika cichlids.

What are mbuna cichlids and where do they live?

Mbuna cichlids are natives of the beautiful Lake Malawi in Africa’s Great Rift Valley. And it wouldn’t be wrong to call this lake a freshwater ocean. Okay, that might be a stretch, but early explorers really did confuse it for an ocean. It is 50 miles wide, 360 miles long, and 706 meters deep.

How to take care of cichlids?

The next step to care for your Cichlids is to cycle your tank. When there is decaying matter in the tank, such as uneaten fish food and fish poop, ammonia starts building up. This then turns into nitrites and nitrates.

What do you need to know about Lake Malawi cichlids?

This is a complete Lake Malawi Cichlid care guide, with all related information like tank requirements, feeding, health issues, treatment and choosing the right Mbuna / Peacock Cichlid. Lake Malawi Cichlids include the Mbuna and Peacock Cichlids. They require a certain type of habitat in their aquariums.

What do Lake Malawi cichlids need in an aquarium?

Lake Malawi Cichlids include the Mbuna and Peacock Cichlids. They require a certain type of habitat in their aquariums. They also need certain water parameters and diets. In this article, we will look at all these factors that go into keeping Lake Malawi Cichlids healthy and happy in an aquarium.

What do you feed a Dimidiochromis compressiceps?

The Compressiceps requires a diet of live or frozen meaty foods, or a good quality flake or pellet food designed for African Cichlids. Dimidiochromis Compressiceps should be kept separate from any other member of the Dimidiochromisfamily since hybridization can and will happen in a closed environment like an aquarium.

What is the most unique type of compressiceps?

One of the most unique Compressiceps is a dwarf, shell dwelling variant. It is commonly known as the Altolamprologus compressiceps “Sumbu Dwarf” or “Sumbu Shell”. In looks pretty much like the others, but with yellowish orange pectoral fins and it is usually smaller.