Pseudotropheus Demasoni Cichlid: Dwarf Mbuna Guide

 

The Demansoni cichlids are a small species of African Cichlid Mbuna fish. It was discovered in the hobby back in 1994 in a location called Pombo Rocks in lake Malawi. Sometimes Pseudotropheus Demasoni is called dwarf Mbuna. 

Pseudotropheus demasoni Cichlid grows to about 3 inches long, with females slightly smaller than males. These fish typically live in schools and are very territorial. This territorial behavior can lead to aggressive behavior, such as attacking other schools of Demansoni cichlids or other species entering their territory.  

Pseudotropheus demasoni cichlids have a beautiful look with vertical stripes in various blues and white stripes. They have the classic Mbuna body shape and are considered the smallest species in the Mbuna family. 

They're not recommended as beginner fish because their aggressiveness needs your attention, and you should plan which species will be in the same tank. Generally, they need at least a 40-gallon tank to start. 

Pseudotropheus Demasoni Cichlids Care

Demasoni cichlid's care doesn't differ a lot from any other Mbuna fish, and it is simple to care for your Demasoni fish; you need to consider the following general requirements for Mbuna fish care: 

Pseudotropheus Demasoni Cichlid Diet

In their nature, Demasoni cichlid eats algae, mainly Aufwuchs algae found on the rocks that decorate the bottom of Malawi lake. However, they depend on other food sources like zooplankton, insects, and tiny crustaceans. 

Here are some options for feeding your Demasoni cichlids:

• High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes: These commercial diets are formulated to provide all of the necessary nutrients for cichlids and are a convenient option for everyday feeding.

• Live or frozen foods: Demasoni cichlids will readily accept live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. These can be fed as occasional treats or supplements to their regular diet.
• Vegetables: Demasoni cichlids will also benefit from adding vegetables to their diet. Some options include spinach, peas, and zucchini. These can be blanched or lightly steamed to make them easier for the cichlids to eat.

It is important to remember not to overfeed your Demasoni cichlids, as excess food can lead to poor water quality and health problems. Feeding cichlids small amounts several times a day is generally recommended, rather than one large feeding.

It is also essential to vary the diet of your Demasoni cichlids to ensure they are getting a wide range of nutrients. A diverse and varied diet will help keep your cichlids healthy and thriving.

In Tanks, you can feed your Demasoni with many types of fish food, like spirulina flakes, cichlid billets, daphnia, and baby brine shrimp. 

Demasoni Cichlid water parameters

Demasoni cichlids (Pseudotropheus demasoni) are native to Lake Malawi in Africa and require specific water parameters to thrive in aquariums.

It is important to closely replicate the natural habitat of these fish to ensure their health and well-being. Here are some key water parameters to consider when keeping Demasoni cichlids:

• pH: Demasoni cichlids prefer a pH of 7.8-8.6. It is important to regularly test the pH of your tank and make any necessary adjustments to keep it within this range.
• Water hardness: Demasoni cichlids require a moderate to high water hardness of 8.5 PH.
• Temperature: Demasoni cichlids prefer a water temperature of 76-82 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to use a reliable heater to maintain a consistent temperature in your tank.
• Filtration: It is important to use a high-quality filter to maintain good water quality and remove any toxins or waste products from the water.
• Water changes: Regular water changes are important to remove any accumulated toxins or waste products and maintain good water quality. It is generally recommended to perform a partial water change (around 25-50%) once or twice a week.

It is important to regularly test the water in your tank and make any necessary adjustments to keep it within the recommended parameters. Good water quality and conditions are necessary for the health and well-being of your Demasoni cichlids.

Demasoni Cichlid Male to Female Ratio

As Pseudotropheus Demasoni is a slightly aggressive fish, you need to pay attention to the male-to-female ratio in your tank. The best ratio for Demasoni to keep is one male for every three females. By this ratio, you will keep the level of aggression low in your tank.

 

Pseudotropheus Demasoni cichlid size

Demasoni Cichlid grows to about 3 to 3.5 inches long; in some rare cases, it can reach 4 inches.

To grow your Demasoni juveniles to their full potential size, you need to feed them three times a day with spirulina flakes and live food sources.

 

Demasoni Cichlid Tank Size and Setup 

The required tank size for keeping Demasoni Cichlid starts from 40 gallons for a small group of Demasoni. Keep in mind that Demasoni lives in groups and is very territorial. Therefore, when you purchase your fish, bring them all in the same size.

As a general rule, it is recommended to keep at least one gallon of water per inch of fish in your tank. This means that a single Demasoni cichlid would need at least a 4-gallon tank to be comfortable. However, it is generally recommended to provide more space than this minimum requirement, especially if you are keeping multiple fish or plan to breed them.

For a group of Demasoni cichlids, a tank of at least 40 gallons would be recommended to provide enough space for them to establish territories and reduce aggression. It is also important to provide plenty of hiding spots and territory for all of the fish in the tank to reduce aggression and establish a hierarchy.

In addition to the size of the tank, it is also important to consider the water conditions, filtration, and diet of your Demasoni cichlids to ensure their health and well-being. Regular water changes and proper filtration can help to maintain good water quality and prevent aggression. A balanced diet of both plant and animal matter is also important to keep your cichlids healthy and thriving.

 

 

 

Demasoni Cichlids Tank Mates

Demasoni Cichlid is compatible with most African Cichlid species. They do very well with other Mbuna and can live with all Mbuna tank mates.

 Demasoni cichlids are known to be territorial and aggressive, especially towards other cichlids. It is generally best to keep them with other cichlids from the same region of Africa, such as Mbuna or Haplochromis. It is also important to consider the size and temperament of any potential tank mates, as Demasoni cichlids may bully or attack smaller or more passive fish.

Some possible tank mates for Demasoni cichlids include:

• Labidochromis caeruleus (Electric Yellow Cichlid)
• Melanochromis auratus (Red Zebra Cichlid)
• Labeotropheus trewavasae (Electric Blue Johannii)
• Pseudotropheus zebra (Zebra Cichlid)

It is also important to provide plenty of hiding spots and territory for all of the fish in the tank to reduce aggression and establish a hierarchy. Regular water changes and proper filtration can also help to prevent aggression and maintain good water quality.

As with any fish, it is important to carefully research and consider the compatibility of potential tank mates before adding them to your tank.

 

Demasoni Cichlids Breeding

If you are interested in breeding Demasoni cichlids, here are a few things to consider:

1. Aquarium setup: Demasoni cichlids are native to Lake Malawi in Africa, so it is important to replicate their natural habitat as closely as possible. This includes using a substrate of fine sand and decorating the aquarium with rocks and caves.
2. Water conditions: Demasoni cichlids require a pH of 7.8-8.6 and a water temperature of 76-82 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to regularly test the water and make sure it is within these parameters.
3. Diet: Demasoni cichlids are omnivorous and require a balanced diet of both plant and animal matter. A high-quality cichlid pellet or flake food can provide the necessary nutrients, but it is also important to supplement with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp and bloodworms.
4. Breeding: Demasoni cichlids are harem spawners, meaning that a single male will mate with several females in a group. To encourage breeding, it is important to have a ratio of one male to several females. The females will lay their eggs in a designated breeding site, such as a cave or crevice, and the male will fertilize them. The eggs will hatch in about 5-7 days, and the parents will care for the fry until they are able to fend for themselves.

It is important to remember that breeding any type of fish requires a significant amount of time, effort, and knowledge. Make sure to do your research and be prepared to provide the best possible care for your cichlids.