Demasoni cichlid

About this species

The valid name is Chindongo demasoni (Konings, 1994), a cichlid in the subfamily Pseudocrenilabrinae. Eschmeyer’s Catalog of Fishes confirms this combination. The former combination Pseudotropheus demasoni remains a useful search term, not a separate species.

Natural habitat

The species is from Lake Malawi in Tanzania. Documented localities include Pombo Rocks and the area around Ndumbi Point and Ndumbi Rocks. This is a restricted part of the lake, not a fish found throughout all of Lake Malawi. It grazes growth on rocks in its rocky habitat.

FishBase reports an IUCN assessment of Vulnerable (VU), dated 22 May 2018. Given its restricted range, this guide is for fish already kept in aquariums. Buy traceable captive-bred fish only and ask about their origin.

Aquarium and layout

AquaInfo gives a minimum aquarium size of 120 × 50 × 50 cm. Those external dimensions equal 300 litres of gross geometric volume; substrate, rocks and headspace reduce the actual water volume. Another specialist source discusses about 55–80 US gallons for a group of twelve. Because recommendations differ and aggression is a major risk, this guide uses 120 cm length and roughly 300 litres gross geometry as a cautious planning baseline, not a guarantee that a group will remain peaceful.

Build stable rockwork with many caves, crevices and broken sightlines while leaving swimming space. Use sand, robust filtration and good oxygenation. Secure the rocks. Live plants are not a practical choice: aquarium care sources report that they may be eaten.

Water conditions

AquaInfo recommends 22–26 °C and pH 7.5–8.5. Aquarist Atlas gives about 75–82 °F (roughly 24–28 °C) and pH 7.8–8.6. We show the overlap: 24–26 °C and pH 7.8–8.5. AquaInfo lists GH 12–16 °dGH; the other consulted sources do not give a comparable GH range.

Keep the water hard, alkaline and especially stable. Do not make sudden pH or hardness changes to chase a target number; gradual transitions and good water quality matter more than constant adjustment.

Behaviour and group size

Demasoni is a strongly territorial mbuna. Aggression toward its own species can be severe despite its small size. Sources differ on group planning: AquaInfo describes a harem of one male with at least three females, while Aquarist Atlas discusses a larger group of around twelve to distribute aggression. These are not guaranteed formulas; sex cannot be reliably identified by colour, and a dominant fish may still injure or kill others.

Do not keep this species as an isolated pair or casually mix it with other fish. A group needs substantial floor space, rockwork, broken sightlines and a plan for separation. Intervene if fish cannot feed, are pursued constantly or are injured. We do not list specific tankmates without verified compatibility evidence.

Feeding

In the wild, this species grazes aufwuchs: algae, microorganisms and small food particles growing on rocks. Choose a high-fibre, plant-forward staple with spirulina in small flakes or pellets; feed modest portions and make sure subordinate fish can eat too. An existing spirulina food is linked as a complementary option, not a complete diet.

Animal foods should be occasional, small extras at most. AquaInfo advises against tubifex and red mosquito larvae. Avoid large high-protein meals and overfeeding; remove leftovers.

Breeding

Chindongo demasoni is a maternal mouthbrooder. After spawning, the female collects the eggs in her mouth and carries the young there during early development. AquaInfo describes aquarium observations of about 19–21 days; timing and brood size vary and are not guaranteed.

Leave a brooding female as undisturbed as possible and provide quiet refuges. Move her only with a sound plan and when necessary; catching her can add stress.