Malawi eyebiter
(Dimidiochromis compressiceps)
Classification
Species:
Dimidiochromis compressiceps
Genus:
Dimidiochromis
Family: Cichlidae - Cichlids
Order: Cichliformes - Cichlids
Superclass: Osteichthyes - Bony fishes
General data
Scientific names:
Malawi eyebiter
Habitat:
Freshwater
Climate:
Tropical
Native:
Africa
Distribution:
Lake Malawi
Malawi eyebiter (Dimidiochromis compressiceps) is a species of fish in the family Cichlidae. This predatory cichlid is endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa.
Dimidiochromis compressiceps can reach a length of about 23 centimetres (9.1 in). The females are considerably smaller than males. The body is narrow and laterally compressed (hence the Latin name compressiceps) minimizing its visibility. The mouth is quite large and jaws are relatively long, reaching about one-third of the body length. This large and impressive cichlid normally shows a whitish-silver body with a brown horizontal stripe along the sides, from the snout to the tail. Sexually mature males put on a dazzling metallic blue with reds and oranges on their fins.