New Compressiceps!

[LilBangarang]

I just got 3 dimidiochromis compressiceps. So far I've had no problems with my 2 yellow labs, danios, loaches, or clown plec. I have a pic attatched. Any special tips on these guys as far as special foods and keeping them vibrant?

 

[CraigMac]

I had one (impulse buy back in the day before learning my lesson) that I rehomed from my mbuna tank.

They are "peaceful" with similarly sized fish but will eat any small fish. And they get big, 10".

The biggest issue is diet, they are meat eaters, predators, but all of my mbuna are mainly algae eaters and require low protein. If I add meat to the diet for the eye biter then I risk malawai bloat for the mbuna. If I feed vegetable based, low protein diet for the mbuna, the eye biter will not thrive. That's why I thought it was best to rehome.

Oh, I forgot to ask, what size is your tank?

 

[LilBangarang]

40 gal

 

[CraigMac]

You are going to have to either upgrade the tank or rehome those guys IMO. A 40 gallon tank is too small for just the eye biters, let alone any other fish you already have. Those 3 will each get to about ten inches, they need a lot of room to swim about.

 

[LilBangarang]

I'm working on a 70 gal with sifferent cichs.

 

[garfy]

I have 4 compressiceps in my 143g in with my mbuna and as stated above they will eat any small fish that will fit in their mouths.They are serious predators.Watch the way they hunt smaller fish,Head pointing down to minimise their visibility..Then they dart down on unsuspecting prey WHAM dinner is served.Fry are unlikely to survive with eye biters in your tank and.
Again as stated above your tank is way too small for compressiceps as they reach 10" in length.I would think a 125g is more suitable for them so you may want to rehome them as they get bigger or upgrade your tank.
Having said that they are beautiful fish one of my favourites and a great addition.
Good luck with your fish

 

[LilBangarang]

Thank you. Fortunately all my fish are as big or bigger than the eye biters. I will definately be able to rehome them by the time it becomes necessary.