Single Pseudotropheus Demasoni

[HappyGeorge]

Am considering adding a single specimen of Pseudotropheus Demasoni, I know they need to go in large groups ideally, so wondered if one would be ok. My Afra are very pale and not convinced there would be any aggression between them. What is the general opinion?

Current population is
6 Labidochromis perlmutt
6 Labidochromis caeruleus
3 Hongis
1 Crabro
3 Cynotilapia afra "red top"
6 Syno multis

and looking to add 3 pseudotropheus socolofi to this mix.

 

[dthoffsett]

I'm not sure on this, I know it's recommended that dems are kept as a single specimen or groups of 12+, however, I just never had luck adding a single one. IME when kept by themselves they tend to be a bit more shy and easily bullied, that was just in my tank though, I've seen others where it works fine. The best I could say is give it a try. I would suggest having at least 5 of each species though (except for the demasoni of course), they really do better in larger groups.

 

[demasonisrule]

Demasoni only work in either groups of over 15 or just a single one... The reason for the large groups is to spread the aggression around, as demasoni are very aggresive, but only against other demasoni, or very similar looking fish, so it should be fine

 

[HappyGeorge]

Thanks guys, think I will give it a go, nearly dead Ed (the Crabro) seems fine alone (as per sdvice on here to try a single specimen) so may well add the single demasoni and see how it goes. As previously posted one of my Afra's is holding (8 days now), which Im chuffed about as the tank has only been stocked since 17th Sept. I am looking at 2 more Afra and youre right I should probably add 2 more Socolofi to the shopping list. Then that will be it............

..................................Is it normal to be designing another tank in my head already?

....................In fact I have a plan for a S. American, a planted and a marine in my head. Help!

 

[dthoffsett]

Thanks guys, think I will give it a go, nearly dead Ed (the Crabro) seems fine alone (as per sdvice on here to try a single specimen) so may well add the single demasoni and see how it goes. As previously posted one of my Afra's is holding (8 days now), which Im chuffed about as the tank has only been stocked since 17th Sept. I am looking at 2 more Afra and youre right I should probably add 2 more Socolofi to the shopping list. Then that will be it............

..................................Is it normal to be designing another tank in my head already?

....................In fact I have a plan for a S. American, a planted and a marine in my head. Help!

Oh shoot, forgot you had Ed, definitely only want one crabro.

Oh, it's perfectly normal to dream of other tanks, it's the beginning stages of MTS (multiple tank syndrome).