Demasoni Cichlid (Pseudotropheus demasoni) Care Guide

A small but highly aggressive dwarf mbuna with striking dark blue and black vertical bars. Despite its small size of around 8 cm, it is one of the most territorial cichlids in the hobby.

Overview

Pseudotropheus demasoni is a species in the family Cichlidae. A small but highly aggressive dwarf mbuna with striking dark blue and black vertical bars. Despite its small size of around 8 cm, it is one of the most territorial cichlids in the hobby. Must be kept in large groups of 12 or more to spread aggression.

Taxonomy

Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Pseudotropheus
Scientific name: Pseudotropheus demasoni
Other names: Dwarf Mbuna
Origin: Africa, Lake Malawi

Habitat

Pseudotropheus demasoni is a small, striped mbuna cichlid endemic to the rocky shores of Lake Malawi in East Africa. It grazes algae (aufwuchs) from rocks and is highly aggressive toward its own kind, so it is kept in larger groups to spread aggression.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 200 L
Temperature: 24-28 °C
pH: 7.5-8.5
GH: 10-20 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 7-10 cm
Lifespan: 6-10 years
Recommended group size: ≥ 12
Difficulty: advanced

Diet

Classified as herbivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: aggressive
Position in tank: middle
Compatible tank mates: Yellow Lab, Other Mbunas, Synodontis Petricola
Avoid with: Peacock Cichlids, Small Fish, Shrimp

Breeding

Breeding strategy: mouthbrooder
Breeding difficulty: intermediate