Common name/s: None
Scientific name: Pseudotropheus Demasoni
Family: Cichlidae
Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa
Maximum size: 4"
Aquarium: Despite being one of the dwarf Mbuna species, Demasoni should be kept in a tank of 55 gallons or more. What they lack in size - they more than make up for in aggression levels. The tank should preferrably be sand-based and furnished with plenty of rockwork.
Care: Demasoni are one of the most stunning Mbuna species but are also amongst the most aggressive. Tankmates should be other similarly aggressive Mbuna unless they are to be kept in a species only tank. The exception to this rule appears to be Labidochromis Caeruleus, which although are one of the least aggressive species - tend to work well with Demasoni. The popular theory being that they are not perceived as a threat. One curious behaviour pattern is that Demasoni rarely expose their underside - they are very much bottom dwellers and will hug the terrain. Demasoni are extremely intolerant of their own kind and it is difficult to keep multiple males in the same aquarium. It is also best to avoid species of a similar appearance such as P.Saulosi males and P.Elongatus.
Feeding: P.Demasoni are Herbivores and once/twice daily feedings of a high quality spirulina based pellet or flake is ideal. Frozen spirulina enriched brine shrimp may also be fed as a supplement. Foods containing meaty protein such as bloodworm must be avoided - Herbivore Mbuna species digestive systems simply cannot process such foods and persistent feeding of the like will lead to bloat, which can prove fatal.
Sexing and breeding: As with most Mbuna sexing is difficult at a young age. Females tend to be slightly paler than males although this can be unreliable as the colours of sub-dominant males can also appear subdued. The presence of numerous egg spots can also be an indication that the fish is male. In addition, males tend to have slightly longer ventral fins. When it comes to breeding Demasoni are similar to all Mbuna in that they they are maternal mouthbrooders. They are also vigourous parents and will defend their territory and fry following a spawn.
Scientific name: Pseudotropheus Demasoni
Family: Cichlidae
Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa
Maximum size: 4"
Aquarium: Despite being one of the dwarf Mbuna species, Demasoni should be kept in a tank of 55 gallons or more. What they lack in size - they more than make up for in aggression levels. The tank should preferrably be sand-based and furnished with plenty of rockwork.
Care: Demasoni are one of the most stunning Mbuna species but are also amongst the most aggressive. Tankmates should be other similarly aggressive Mbuna unless they are to be kept in a species only tank. The exception to this rule appears to be Labidochromis Caeruleus, which although are one of the least aggressive species - tend to work well with Demasoni. The popular theory being that they are not perceived as a threat. One curious behaviour pattern is that Demasoni rarely expose their underside - they are very much bottom dwellers and will hug the terrain. Demasoni are extremely intolerant of their own kind and it is difficult to keep multiple males in the same aquarium. It is also best to avoid species of a similar appearance such as P.Saulosi males and P.Elongatus.
Feeding: P.Demasoni are Herbivores and once/twice daily feedings of a high quality spirulina based pellet or flake is ideal. Frozen spirulina enriched brine shrimp may also be fed as a supplement. Foods containing meaty protein such as bloodworm must be avoided - Herbivore Mbuna species digestive systems simply cannot process such foods and persistent feeding of the like will lead to bloat, which can prove fatal.
Sexing and breeding: As with most Mbuna sexing is difficult at a young age. Females tend to be slightly paler than males although this can be unreliable as the colours of sub-dominant males can also appear subdued. The presence of numerous egg spots can also be an indication that the fish is male. In addition, males tend to have slightly longer ventral fins. When it comes to breeding Demasoni are similar to all Mbuna in that they they are maternal mouthbrooders. They are also vigourous parents and will defend their territory and fry following a spawn.
