Cichlid - Malawi Eye Biter

Other Breeds

Keeshond   |   Palomino   |   Pig – Pot Bellied   |  

Alternative Name

Playboy Cichlid Scientific Name: Dimidiochromis compressiceps

Basic Info

The Malawi Eye-Biter is one of the larger species of Cichlids, reaching a size of six to ten inches at maturity. The body of a Malawi Eye-Biter will be a shiny blue and green color. Females will have a golden head.

Health

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. Malawi Eye-Biters are carnivores and usually won't eat anything that isn't alive. Live foods should include bloodworms, crickets, brine shrimp, mealworms, glass worms and tubifex worms. They will eat frozen and freeze dried foods occasionally. Some Malawi Eye-Biters will eat some vegetables, including spinach, zucchini, peas and lettuce. Breeding The Malawi Eye-Biter has been referred to as the Playboy Cichlid, because of their ease of breeding. Malawi Eye-Biters are mouthbreeders.

Habitat

Fresh water fish

Behavior

The Malawi Eye-Biter, also known as the Playboy Cichlid, can be a very aggressive fish. It is however, beautiful and very attractive, making it a wanted fish. It can be a make a good fish, if it is put into the right conditions. Malawi Eye-Biters are an aggressive fish. They are an African Cichlid, which tend to be more aggressive. They get their name from the fact that they like to eat they eyes out of other fish, especially non-cichlids. If this fish is kept with other fish, they should be large and able to fend for themselves. This includes other large African Cichlids. Malawi Eye-Biters should be kept in large aquariums, with a moderate amount of rocks and dense plant life. Being a carnivore, the Malawi Eye-Biter will not bother live plants. The Valisneria spiralis is a good plant to use in a tank with the Malawi Eye-Biter.

Origin

Africa

History

The Malawi Eye-Biter, or Haplochromis Compressiceps is from Lake Malawi in Africa.

Common Foods

They will eat small fish as well.