• We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo

Help! Malawi eyebiter eating eyes!

Wharf said:
Kind of partial to D. Strigatus myself; however, in my brief experience with them...they always seem to turn dark and start chasing around much bigger tank mates trying to be boss...which works for a while until they are put in check. They are beautiful fish.
Click to expand...
I've had one of those in my hap community as well,boy this brings back memories.There was a great shop here years ago that seemed to be able to bring in every known African cichlid that there is but they have closed down unfortunately.
 
I have one in my tank currently. It’s definitely the “boss” of the tank , sort of a di*k at times. Some days when it is really chasing fish around the colors are amazing! One of my faves as well.
 
Wharf said:
Kind of partial to D. Strigatus myself; however, in my brief experience with them...they always seem to turn dark and start chasing around much bigger tank mates trying to be boss...which works for a while until they are put in check. They are beautiful fish.
Click to expand...
Yea, my pink tail chalceus got chased and turned around and bit a chunk out if the Malawi's fin
 
james99 said:
First, let's drop the name calling and arguing back and forth. This is your warning.

Now, I've keep compressiceps for years, many different ones, besides the flaring up I've never had one eat another fish's eyes. I will say that eye injuries do seem to be common from fighting even when I didnt have a compressiceps. Your tank size is probably playing a big part of the aggression, if on male decides he wants space, he will eliminate anyone in his way.
Click to expand...
Yea, he grew 1 inch and then decided to attack everyone so I put him on a holding tank till my 125 gal finishes cycle.
 
Nature has gifted Eye Biters with a very unique shape that enables them to attack prey from directly above. More or less a straight down attack. This method of attack greatly increase the chances of the Eye Biter living up to its name.
As my Eye Biter matured, she began chasing and attacking smaller tankmates in that manner.
It took a few Mbuna, Zebras & Afras, to educate the Eyebiter. She rarely dives below the reef line anymore.
 
Imo Dimidiochromis do best in a 6' tank, longer than 6' tank with other large haps is even better. Smaller than 6 feet? Maybe. 5' would be better than 4'. Less than 4, forget it. In other words, I agree with the comments on tank size. They are aggressive ime, mitigated by appropriate tankmates and tank size.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top