Demasoni Cichlid (Pseudotropheus demasoni) is an advanced-level freshwater fish that needs at least 55 gallons and 76-82°F. A small blue and black striped mbuna from a tiny rocky area of Lake Malawi. It is feisty with its own kind, so it is normally kept in a large group in a rocky tank to share the aggression.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Pseudotropheus demasoni |
|---|---|
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Origin | Lake Malawi, Africa |
| Adult size | 3-3.5 in |
| Minimum tank | 55 gallons |
| Temperature | 76-82°F |
| pH | 7.6-8.8 |
| Temperament | Aggressive toward its own kind |
| Social behavior | Large group of 10+ to spread aggression |
| Swim level | Bottom to mid |
| Difficulty | Advanced |
| Diet | Mostly vegetable-based cichlid pellets and flakes; limited protein |
| Typical lifespan | 8-10 years |
Quick tips
- Keep a big group; a few fish will fight.
- Use lots of rockwork and sight breaks.
- Do not mix with other blue-barred mbuna.
San Diego water
Naturally suited to San Diego's hard, alkaline tap water once it is dechlorinated (the city uses chloramine, so use a conditioner that handles it). Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.
Before you buy
Make sure your tank is cycled (how to cycle a tank), check your numbers with the water testing guide, and use the compatibility guide to check tankmates. These are general ranges; individual fish and local water vary.
Find it at Pet Zone
Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.
4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm
Aquascaping, planted tanks
4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Monster fish, koi