Malawi eyebiter

The Malawi eyebiter is a predatory cichlid in the family Cichlidae, endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. It hunts among the lake's vegetated and sandy zones. It has a strongly laterally compressed, elongated silver body with a pointed head and large mouth; mature males develop iridescent blue coloration. Its unusual profile and hunting style earned the eyebiter name, referring to a reputed habit of attacking the eyes of prey fish. It is a predator and semi-aggressive, so tankmates should be robust and too large to be eaten. It needs a large aquarium with hard, alkaline water typical of the Rift lakes, open swimming space, and some plants or rockwork. It feeds on smaller fish and meaty foods and accepts prepared cichlid diets. A maternal mouthbrooder, it can be bred by experienced aquarists. Suited to intermediate keepers.