This predatory species earned its name as a result of its habit of eating the eyes of its prey. This happens fairly infrequently in nature, howevever, though these fish are also known for consuming their prey tail-first. Malawi Eye-Biters exhibit laterally compressed bodies and a sloping snout – it often hunts with its head down to minimize its visibility. These fish are usually white or silver in coloration and most specimens have a dark stripe running along the back from its nose to its tail. As suggested by their name, Malawi Eye-Biters are endemic to Lake Malawi where they are found primarily in areas of shallow water and submerged vegetation.