Demasoni cichlid

Pseudotropheus demasoni

Family : Cichlidae

FishFreshwaterMbuna

Pseudotropheus demasoni is a small, brightly colored mbuna cichlid popular in the aquarium trade for its blue and black stripes. It is endemic to Lake Malawi.

Demasoni cichlid — photo 1 sur 4 — Mario Rubio García from Tarancón, España · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.01 / 4

Popularity

Biotope specialist

requires biotope recreation

Availability

Specialty only

Shop availability

IUCN Status

Vulnerable

Biotope

Lake Malawi

Lac africain, eau dure alcaline, cichlidés endémiques.

Description

This fish reaches about 7–8 cm in adulthood. Males display vivid blue and black vertical stripes, while females are duller. It has an elongated body and a downward-facing mouth, typical of mbunas. Its behavior is territorial and aggressive, especially towards conspecifics. It lives in hierarchical groups in rocky areas. Reproduction is by maternal mouthbrooding.

Habitat

Region :

Rocky shores and coastal areas

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature24–28 °C

pH7.5–8.5

GH10–20 °dGH

KH8–12 °dKH

NO₃

≤ 20 mg/L

PO₄

≤ 0.5 mg/L

Care

Difficulty

3/5

Diet

Herbivore

Min. tank

100 L

Min. group

Adult size

8 cm

Lifespan

6 years

Temperament

Aggressive

Propagation

maternal mouthbrooder

Care notes

Keep temperature between 24–28°C, pH 7.5–8.5, and GH 10–20. A minimum tank size of 100 liters is recommended for a group. Diet should be mainly vegetable-based (spirulina, vegetables) with few animal proteins. Avoid keeping with very peaceful or small fish. Rocky hiding places are essential to reduce aggression. Perform regular water changes (20% weekly).

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