Demasoni Cichlid

Demasoni Cichlids (Pseudotropheus Demasoni) are fairly popular African cichlids from Lake Malawi. They are small, very hardy and very easy to care for. Though being smaller in size they can be fairly aggressive. Aggression can be reduced by providing plenty of rocks to create areas that may be claimed as territories. Keeping them in groups of 6 or more can also help reduce the aggression.

Demasoni Cichlids grow to be about a little larger than 2 inches in length and can be kept in tanks that are a minimum of 29 gallons in size. They are fairly mild mannered but have been known to show some aggression. They are best maintained in groups of 6 to 10. Keep several females for every male as the males will pair with more than one female at the same time. Be sure to keep only one male in small aquariums.

A tank that will be home to Demasoni Cichlids should include some type of rock formation with passageways and caves. The substrate should be fine gravel or sand and the tank should be well lit. It is also a good idea to use a background to provide additional security to the fish as well as a natural underwater scene. Water should be medium-hard, alkaline, well filtered and have a temperature between 72 and 77 degrees.

Demasoni Cichlids are typical mouth brooding Cichlids. A male and female will choose a secluded area of the tank to spawn in. The male can remain in the tank with the female after spawning while the female cares for the eggs and fry. The female will brood for about 3 weeks. Feed the fry baby brine shrimp and crushed flakes.

Don't be fooled by the size of these little fish. Demasoni Cichlids can be quite aggressive. They can attack and kill much larger fish in their tank. However, if they are provided with plenty of rocks with passageways and space to claim for territories then that display of aggression will be reduced. They are very hardy and are a fun African Cichlids to keep in an aquarium.

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