🐟 Demasoni Cichlid (Pseudotropheus demasoni)
🐟 Demasoni Cichlid (Pseudotropheus demasoni)
Electric Blue-and-Black Mbuna • Compact Rock Reef Colony Fish • Big Colour, Small Size
📋 The Demasoni Cichlid is one of the most striking Lake Malawi cichlids, with crisp electric-blue and black vertical bars on a compact body of only about 6-8cm. A true rock-dwelling Mbuna, it brings the colour and energy of a Malawi reef to any aquarium, with lively, constant activity as the colony explores the rockwork.
In the wild this species lives on a single reef, Pombo Rocks on Lake Malawi's Tanzanian shore, and it is assessed as Vulnerable, so captive-bred fish are the responsible way to enjoy it. Demasoni show their best behaviour as a colony of 12 or more in a rock-filled aquarium, where the activity spreads out and the colour and energy really shine. They suit hard, alkaline water and a spirulina-rich diet.
💡 Highlights
✨ Electric Blue-and-Black Bars: Iconic Lake Malawi colouring
👥 Best as a Colony of 12 or More: A busy, colourful shoal
📏 Compact: About 6-8cm
🪨 Loves Rockwork: Caves and crevices bring out its best
🌱 Captive-Bred: A wild species found on just one reef
🧾 A Quick Look at the Demasoni Cichlid
📛 Common Name: Demasoni Cichlid (Pombo Rocks Demasoni)
🔬 Scientific Name: Pseudotropheus demasoni (now classified as Chindongo demasoni)
👨👩👧 Family: Cichlidae (Mbuna)
🌍 Origin: Lake Malawi, found only at Pombo Rocks
📏 Max Size: About 8cm (3.2")
🧂 Water Type: Freshwater, hard and alkaline
💧 pH Range: 7.8-8.6
🌡️ Temperature Range: 24-28°C (75-82°F)
🧠 Care Level: Intermediate
💖 Temperament: Lively and territorial; best as a large colony
🏠 Min Tank Size: 200 L+ (55 gallons, 120cm long) for a colony of 12
📌 Tank Level: Bottom to mid-water; rock dweller
🧬 Stock Type: Captive-bred
🚨 Conservation Status: Vulnerable in the wild
⏳ Lifespan: About 8-10 years
🍽️ Diet: Herbivore / algae grazer; spirulina-rich foods
🐣 Reproduction: Maternal mouthbrooder
