Description
🐟 Demasoni Cichlid
📌 Basic Info
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Scientific Name: Pseudotropheus demasoni
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Family: Cichlidae (Mbuna group)
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Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa
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Size: 3 – 4 inches (7 – 10 cm)
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Lifespan: 7 – 10 years
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Tank Zone: Mid to Bottom
🌊 Water Parameters
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TDS: 170 – 250 ppm
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pH: 7.5 – 8.6 (alkaline)
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Temperature: 24 – 28°C (75 – 82°F)
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Hardness: 10 – 20 dGH
🐟 Characteristics
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Striking blue body with black vertical stripes.
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Small-sized Mbuna cichlid but very aggressive for its size.
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Highly territorial, especially males.
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Best suited for experienced aquarists.
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Very active swimmers, love rocky environments.
🍽️ Food
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Type: Omnivorous (herbivore-leaning)
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Diet: Spirulina flakes, algae wafers, high-quality cichlid pellets, blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini, peas).
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Avoid too much protein (can cause bloat).
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Feeding: 1–2 times daily in small amounts.
🛠️ Maintenance
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Tank Size: Minimum 40 gallons (larger for groups).
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Filtration: Strong – they need clean, oxygen-rich water.
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Decor: Rocky aquascape with caves and hiding spots. Avoid delicate plants (they may uproot).
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Water Change: 30% weekly.
👥 Social Behavior
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Minimum Group Size: Best kept in groups of 12+ to spread aggression.
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Tank Mates: Other Mbuna cichlids of similar size & temperament (Yellow Labs, Acei, Red Zebras).
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Avoid: Peaceful fish, large predators, or very small community fish.
✅ Do’s
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Provide plenty of rocks and caves to reduce aggression.
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Keep them in larger groups (not pairs or trios).
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Maintain alkaline, hard water.
❌ Don’ts
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Don’t keep singly or in pairs – aggression will increase.
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Don’t feed too much protein – risk of Malawi bloat.
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Don’t overcrowd without enough hiding places.
⭐ Quick Tips
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Though small, they are one of the most aggressive mbuna cichlids.
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Their blue-and-black stripes make them a favorite in African cichlid tanks.
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Best for Lake Malawi setups with rocky structures
