Common name: Demasoni cichlid

Scientific name: Pseudotropheus demasoni

Type of fish: Cichlid (mbuna)

Origin: Lake Malawi

Level of difficulty: Intermediate

Max size: 4 inches

Growth Rate: Fast

Minimum tank size: 20 gallons for one, 55 gallons for a group

Diet: herbivore

pH: 7-8

Hardiness: Hardy

Aggressiveness: Aggressive. They are highly aggressive when kept alone and have a tendency to be fin-nippers. This aggression is mediated when Demasoni cichlids are kept in a group.

Tankmates: Mbuna, peacock cichlids, medium-sized American cichlids, Synodontis catfish

Sexing: Males have egg spots on the anal fin and are more colorful.

Notes: Overfeeding with high-protein foods can lead to bloating. Like other mbuna, Demasoni cichlids are best kept in large groups with other mbuna. The habitat for these fish should have lots of rocks as mbuna are rock-dwellers. Demasoni cichlids should not be kept with long-finned fish because this species is known for fin-nipping.