🐟 Demasoni Cichlid (Pseudotropheus demasoni)
Algae & Aufwuchs Grazer • Territorial Rock-Dweller • Mbuna Cichlid (Aggressive)
 
📋 The Demasoni Cichlid is renowned for its vivid blue-and-black vertical bars, creating a striking, high-contrast look in rockscape aquariums. A dwarf Mbuna (6–8 cm), it brings big personality without the footprint of larger Malawi species.
As classic Mbuna, Demasoni are highly territorial, especially toward similar-looking fish. They do best kept in groups (10–12+) to diffuse aggression, with plenty of rockwork and line-of-sight breaks. Water should be hard and alkaline, mirroring Lake Malawi’s mineral content.
Demasoni are specialized algae/aufwuchs grazers that thrive on a herbivore, spirulina-rich diet. With stable water, strong filtration, and appropriate tankmates, they reward keepers with intense color and active social behavior.
 
💡 Highlights
✨ Vivid blue-and-black bars – iconic Lake Malawi coloration
⚪ Dwarf Mbuna (6–8 cm/≈ 3") – big color in a small package
📏 Best in groups (10–12+) – spreads aggression naturally
✅ Hard, alkaline water required – Malawi bio-type friendly
🐠 Herbivore diet (spirulina-rich) – prevents bloat and keeps color