Eye-Biter

In the aquarium the size and temperament of the Eye-biter should be the first consideration. They can get nearly a foot long, and should not be housed in any tank less than 75 gallons.

Common Name(s): Malawi Eye Biter, Malawi Eye-biter, Malawi Eyebiter
Family: Cichlidae
Species Type: African Cichlids, Lake Malawi ...

This predatory Cichlid is a native of Lake Malawi of Africa. It isn't a pretty fish, and has been known to bite at the eyes of other fish, hence its common name of "Eye-Biter". It also eats its prey tail-first.

Malawi Eye-biter [ picture ]
Dimidiochromis compressiceps
SYN : Cyrtocaracompressiceps, Haplochromis compressiceps
PD :An elongated fish with triangle-shaped head. The mouth is large for catching prey.

Malawi Eye-Biters are a relatively easy fish to care for. They need hard, alkaline water, with pH levels from 8 to 8.5. Water temperatures should be between 73 degrees fahrenheit.

The malawi eye-biter has been reported to attack the eyes of other fish, but only if no other food is available. They can only be kept with similar sized fish, any fish half as large as the Dimidiochromis compressiceps can be considered food.

BREEDING THE "MALAWI EYE-BITER" by Larry Johnson
Summary: Having once observed the Malawi cichlid Dimidiochromis compressiceps (AKA "The Malawi Eye-Biter") in the wild, Larry finally had the opportunity to spawn and raise some at home.

Often referred to as the Malawi Eye-biter, it is the only known predator to eat its prey tail first. It has also been observed biting the eyes out of other fish prior to devouring them, hence its common name.

It was formerly known as Haplochromis compressiceps, and is endemic to the waters of Lake Malawi. It may also be listed under the genera Paratilapia, Haplochromis and Cyrtocara. Often referred to as the Malawi Eye-biter, ...

See also: Cichlid, Fish, Malawi Eye-Biter, Blue, Species