Demasoni Cichlid

Looks how to spot one

Small, elongated mbuna cichlid

A small, slim cichlid boldly banded in dark blue and black with lighter blue to white stripes in between. Both sexes look alike, though mature males are slightly bigger and usually carry egg-spots on the anal fin.13

Personality what they are like

Full of attitude for its size and one of the most territorial mbuna. It suits experienced keepers who stock it in a busy, rocky Malawi setup.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Very active; constantly patrols rock piles and often swims sideways or upside down while investigating caves.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Hard, alkaline water with frequent partial changes and lots of rockwork to break up sight lines and create territories.1

Home where they are happiest

Minimum base about 120 x 45 cm (around 205 litres) with plenty of stacked rock caves. Temperature 24-28 °C, pH 7.6-8.8, hardness 10-25 dGH.1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Mainly herbivorous. Spirulina flakes, blanched spinach and nori as the base, with some live or frozen foods; avoid red meats.1

Company who they like around

Best kept in a well-stocked group with several females per male, alongside other robust mbuna rather than peaceful fish. A busier tank helps spread out territorial behaviour.1

The story where it all began

This mbuna was scientifically described in 1994 and named after cichlid importer and breeder Laif DeMason. Although it is native to just one small rocky area, captive breeding has made it a common sight in the aquarium hobby.31

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List

Vulnerable (VU D1+2, assessed 22 May 2018)2

Taxonomy

Described in 1994 as Pseudotropheus demasoni; now often placed in the genus Chindongo; a mbuna cichlid3