Species Spotlight. The Malawi Eye Biter Cichlid

Here’s a fact file for the Malawi Eye Biter (*Dimidiochromis compressiceps*), a fascinating and unique species of cichlid: **Basic Information:** - **Common Name:** Malawi Eye Biter - **Scientific Name:** *Dimidiochromis compressiceps* - **Family:** Cichlidae - **Order:** Perciformes - **Native Range:** Lake Malawi, East Africa **Physical Characteristics:** - **Size:** - Males: Up to 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) in length. - Females: Slightly smaller, typically up to 8-10 inches (20-25 cm). - **Coloration:** - Males: Metallic blue or green with dark vertical bars and a vivid blue head. - Females and juveniles: More subdued coloration, often silvery or brownish. - **Body Shape:** Slender and elongated with a laterally compressed body, which helps in navigating through aquatic vegetation. - **Mouth:** Specialized for biting and removing eyes or scales from prey fish, with a protruding jaw and sharp teeth. ### **Behavior and Ecology:** - **Diet:** Carnivorous; primarily preys on smaller fish, particularly targeting their eyes and fins, which can immobilize or weaken the prey. - **Hunting Strategy:** Uses stealth to approach prey, then quickly strikes to remove the eyes or fins, leaving the prey disoriented. - **Habitat:** Prefers shallow waters with plenty of vegetation or rocky areas in Lake Malawi, where it can ambush prey. - **Social Structure:** Can be territorial, particularly males during the breeding season. Males may establish territories in rocky areas or among vegetation. - **Breeding:** - Mouthbrooder; females carry fertilized eggs and young fry in their mouths for protection until they are ready to swim independently. - Males create small nests or territories to attract females during the breeding season. **Aquarium Care:** - **Tank Size:** Requires a large aquarium, ideally 75 gallons or more, due to its size and territorial nature. - **Water Conditions:** - Temperature: 76-82°F (24-28°C) - pH: - Hardness: Moderately hard to hard water is preferred. - **Tank Setup:** Should include plenty of hiding spots, such as rocks and plants, to mimic their natural habitat. Open swimming spaces are also necessary. - **Compatibility:** Can be aggressive, especially towards smaller fish; best kept with other large, robust cichlids. **Conservation Status:** - **IUCN Red List:** Not currently listed; relatively common in Lake Malawi, but habitat degradation and overfishing could pose future threats. **Interesting Facts:** - The name “Eye Biter“ comes from its unusual feeding habit of targeting the eyes of other fish, a unique adaptation among cichlids. - *Dimidiochromis compressiceps* is one of the few fish species that have developed this specialized feeding behavior, making it a unique and intriguing species for both researchers and aquarium enthusiasts.