Demasoni Cichlid
Pseudotropheus demasoni · family Cichlidae
Also: Dwarf Mbuna, Chindongo demasoni, Pseudotropheus demasoni
Parameters
- Temperature
- 24–27 °C
- pH
- 7.8–8.6
- Hardness
- 12–25 °dGH
- Tank volume
- from 180 L
- Maximum size
- up to 7.5 cm
- Group size
- min 12, ideal 15
- Temperament
- Aggressive
- Swimming zone
- Bottom
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Lifespan
- 5–8 years
Description
The Demasoni Cichlid (Pseudotropheus / Chindongo demasoni) is a dwarf Mbuna powerhouse reaching only 7–8 cm, yet packing dazzling electric-blue and midnight-black vertical bars in both males and females. Paired with bright yellow Labidochromis caeruleus, it forms the most famous high-contrast color combination in African cichlid keeping.
Care
The #1 rule for keeping Demasoni is crowded conspecific colonies: never keep 3–6 individuals or the dominant male will relentlessly kill subordinates! Stock a colony of 12–15+ Demasoni in a 180L+ rock-filled tank (pH 7.8–8.6, GH 12–25, 24–27 °C) with heavy canister filtration to diffuse aggression (read our Cichlid Overstocking & Filtration Guide).
Feeding
Strict obligate herbivore (algae grazer) with a long intestinal tract! Feed exclusively spirulina-rich flakes, kelp wafers, blanched zucchini/spinach, and low-protein vegetarian cichlid pellets. High-protein meaty foods or bloodworms cause fatal Malawi Bloat within days.
Breeding
Maternal mouthbrooder carrying 10–20 eggs for 21 days. Provide small rock rubble piles where released fry can hide from adults and graze on natural biofilm.
Compatibility
- Yellow Lab Cichlid
Labidochromis caeruleus
Идеальный цветовой и поведенческий партнер при условии растительной диеты на спирулине.
Good - Caution
- Sunshine Peacock Cichlid
Aulonocara baenschi
Разные диеты (строгий вегетарианец против плотоядного) и слишком высокий темп агрессии Демасони.
Avoid - Avoid
FAQ
- Why do Demasoni cichlids kill each other?
- Demasoni have intense conspecific aggression. Keeping fewer than 12 allows the alpha male to target individuals one by one; stocking 12–15+ disperses aggression harmlessly.
- How do I prevent Malawi Bloat in Demasoni?
- Feed strictly spirulina and vegetable-based formulas (under 35% protein, zero bloodworms) and maintain pristine oxygenated water.
Goldie editorial team
Practising aquarists with a combined 30+ years of experience · Biologists and editors, fact-checking against FishBase and Seriously Fish · Every piece is reviewed by a qualified ichthyologist before publication
Scientific board — ichthyologists and veterinarians
Ichthyologists and veterinarians with university degrees · Reference FishBase, Seriously Fish and peer-reviewed literature · Sign every reviewed article with their credentials shown
Sources
- FishBase: Pseudotropheus demasoni · FishBase · 2026-05-22
- Seriously Fish: Pseudotropheus demasoni · Seriously Fish · 2026-05-22