Malawi Eyebiter

• ExerciseModerate

  An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• GroomingAttentive tank care

  Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• Living spaceMid-size tank

  Needs a mid-size aquarium with room to swim.

• Owner experienceSome experience helps

  A little know-how makes life smoother.

• Commitment8–12 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Bloat (GDV) · Ich (white spot) · Fin rot

The Malawi Eyebiter (Dimidiochromis compressiceps) reaches about 20 to 25 cm and lives among the Vallisneria beds of Lake Malawi, where its extreme lateral compression and vertical eye stripe let it hang among plant stems almost invisibly. The common name comes from early observations of the species taking eyes from other fish; that behaviour is rare and not something aquarium keepers normally see. What is entirely reliable is that it is an ambush predator of small fish, which is the fact that should drive stocking decisions. An adult needs 400 litres or more at 24-27C, pH 7.8 to 8.6 in hard water, with tall plants or long open lanes and a sand bed. It eats cichlid pellets, frozen krill and mysis. Towards similarly sized haps it is calm and often almost inert, hanging at an angle in one spot for long periods. Towards anything under roughly 8 cm it is simply a predator. Keep one male with females in a large Malawi community, give it space to grow into that blade-like adult shape, and choose its neighbours by size.

• How active is a Malawi Eyebiter?

  Moderate. An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• How much maintenance does a Malawi Eyebiter need?

  Attentive tank care. Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• What tank size does a Malawi Eyebiter need?

  Mid-size tank. Needs a mid-size aquarium with room to swim.

• Is a Malawi Eyebiter a good fit for first-time owners?

  Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

• How long do Malawi Eyebiter live?

  8–12 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Malawi Eyebiter?

  Keep an eye out for Bloat (GDV), Ich (white spot), Fin rot. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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