All fish / Cichlidae

Demasoni Cichlid

Chindongo demasoni

Also known as demasoni, pseudotropheus demasoni, dwarf mbuna, demason cichlid, demasoni mbuna, pombo rocks demasoni, เดมาโซนี่, デマソニ, 德马森, 阿里蓝

This small mbuna has bold vertical bars in electric and dark blue, and males and females look much the same. It is popular because it stays small yet brings the colour and lively behaviour of larger Malawi cichlids to a rock-filled tank.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Aggressive

Adult size

7 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

7.6 to 8.6

Smallest tank

200 litres

Keep as

Groups of 12 or more, or a single specimen, to spread aggression

Diet

Omnivore: spirulina-based flakes and pellets, algae, with occasional small crustaceans

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Lake Malawi, Tanzania (Pombo Rocks and Ndumbi Reef)

Breeding

It is a maternal mouthbrooder, and the female carries the eggs and fry in her mouth for around three to four weeks. Breeding happens readily in a well-kept mbuna tank with enough rocky cover.

Good to know

It is very aggressive for its size, especially towards other fish with blue barred patterns, so keep it in large groups among plenty of rockwork. Avoid high-protein diets, as these can trigger Malawi bloat.