Demasoni Cichlid
Chindongo demasoni
Cichlidae
About
The demasoni cichlid is a dwarf mbuna from the rocky reefs of Pombo Rocks in Lake Malawi, instantly recognised by its electric-blue body crossed with bold black vertical bars. Barely reaching 7-8 cm, it packs the aggression of a fish many times its size and is relentlessly territorial toward its own kind, so it succeeds only in a large tank kept in hard, alkaline Rift Lake water among dense rockwork.
Care
Keep in hard, alkaline water (pH 7.8-8.5) over sand with heavy rockwork in a tank of 200 L or more. Extremely aggressive to its own kind, so keep either a large colony of 12+ to spread out aggression or none at all; not for community tanks.
Diet
Herbivorous aufwuchs grazer; feed spirulina- and vegetable-based foods with blanched greens. Strictly limit protein-rich foods to prevent Malawi bloat.
Tankmate compatibility
Possible with care (150)
Avoid (121)
Computed by the AquaSage engine for a spacious reference tank — always check the full verdict for your exact setup in the calculator.
Telling males from females
What works for this species, most reliable first.
- VentingStrong · only on a mature fish, easiest when she is in breeding condition
The method breeders use when the answer has to be right. Hold the fish upside down in a wet hand or soft net and look at the two openings ahead of the anal fin. The forward one is the anus; the one behind it is what you are reading.
- Egg spotsA hint only · from about 6 months
The yellow or orange ocelli on the anal fin of Malawi cichlids, traditionally explained as a lure that draws the female into mouthing them, fertilising the eggs she is already holding.
- Adult sizeA hint only · only across animals of the same age
In many cichlids, catfish and loaches one sex simply grows larger — usually the male, though there are well-known reversals.
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Frequently asked questions
- What tank size does a Demasoni Cichlid need?
- A Demasoni Cichlid needs an aquarium of at least 200 litres (52.8 US gallons) with a footprint at least 120 cm (47.2 in) long — for this species, swimming length matters as much as raw volume.
- What water parameters does a Demasoni Cichlid need?
- Demasoni Cichlid does best at 23–28 °C (73.4–82.4 °F), pH 7.5–8.8 and a general hardness of 10–25 °dGH.
- What group size does a Demasoni Cichlid need?
- Demasoni Cichlid is a social species — keep a group of at least 12 so natural behaviour emerges and stress stays low.
- Is the Demasoni Cichlid suitable for beginners?
- Demasoni Cichlid is a demanding species best attempted with some experience — it needs stable, closely watched conditions to thrive.