Dimidiochromis compressiceps

A laterally compressed body with a dark stripe from snout to tail; waits head-down among plants to ambush prey.

A laterally compressed body with a dark stripe running from the snout along the back to the tail. Often waits head-down among plants to ambush prey; it does not eat only the eyes of other fish.

Adult length

Up to 25 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)

Water temperature

23–28 °C

Lifespan

5–10 years

pH

7.5–8.8

Hardness

10–25 dGH

Native range

Africa: widely distributed in Lake Malawi, upper Shire River and Lake Malombe.

Natural habitat

Inhabits shallow, vegetated water.

A large-mouthed predator. Being well fed does not make small fish safe; use a 150 × 38 cm swimming footprint as a starting point.