Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Malawi Eyebiter
Dimidiochromis compressiceps (Boulenger, 1908)
Also called Malawi Eye-biter, Compressiceps, Paratilapia compressiceps
From Lake Malawi, Lake Malombe and the upper Shire River in East Africa (Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania), mainly in shallow, vegetated areas.12
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Very flat-sided, long-snouted predator
A strikingly thin, blade-like cichlid with a long head and pointed snout, built to slip unseen between plants.12
Personality what they are like
A calm, watchful predator that is peaceful with fish too big to swallow; males become territorial when spawning.32
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Hovers quietly among cover and makes swift dashes; appreciates both open water and sheltered spots.23
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Sand substrate, some cover or tall decor, and roomy water with strong filtration.31
Home where they are happiest
At least 150 x 38 cm base (about 257 litres), 22 to 28 C, pH about 7.5 to 8.8 and 9 to 25 dGH.31
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A fish-eater; feed meaty frozen foods such as prawn, mussel and cockle, with pellets only as an extra.31
Company who they like around
Keep with fish longer than about 12 cm; breeding groups should have more females than males.3
The story where it all began
George Boulenger described the species in 1908, naming it for its compressed head. It moved through several genera before being placed in Dimidiochromis, and it has been kept by Malawi enthusiasts for decades.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 22 June 2018)1
- Taxonomy
- Described by Boulenger in 1908 as Paratilapia compressiceps; later in Cyrtocara and Haplochromis2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Malawi Eyebiter. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Malawi Eyebiter?
Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed small amounts once or twice a day. Stick to this routine and adjust based on your fish's appetite and the food label.3 Furry Diary plan
What does a Malawi Eyebiter eat, and what should it never eat?
This fish is a predator that eats meaty frozen foods like prawn, mussel and cockle, with pellets only as an extra. Never feed it live feeder fish or dry flake foods, as they lack the right nutrition.31
How much space does a Malawi Eyebiter need?
It needs a tank with a base of at least 150 x 38 cm, which is about 257 litres. This gives it room to hover and make swift dashes.31
What temperature, light or water does a Malawi Eyebiter need?
Keep the water at 22 to 28°C, with a pH of about 7.5 to 8.8 and hardness of 9 to 25 dGH. Provide moderate lighting and some cover or tall decor.31
How often should I clean a Malawi Eyebiter's home?
Furry Diary's plan suggests a weekly water change of about 25%, along with weekly glass cleaning and water testing. Rinse the filter monthly in old tank water, never tap water. Furry Diary plan
Can a Malawi Eyebiter live with others?
Yes, it is peaceful with fish too big to swallow, so keep it with fish longer than about 12 cm. For breeding, have more females than males in the group.3
How long does a Malawi Eyebiter live?
Lifespan varies depending on care, water quality and diet. For a more accurate estimate, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.
Can I handle a Malawi Eyebiter?
No, this fish is not for handling. It is a calm predator that prefers to hover among cover, and handling would stress it greatly.23
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FishBase species summary: Dimidiochromis compressiceps fishbase.seused for distribution, size, water parameters, diet, IUCN status, taxonomy
- Wikipedia: Dimidiochromis compressiceps en.wikipedia.orgused for common names, colours, history, fun facts (secondary)
- Seriously Fish: Dimidiochromis compressiceps seriouslyfish.comused for aquarium care, tank size, behaviour, diet, colours, breeding
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.