Demasani Cichlids, among the lesser-known and underrated dwarf mbunas, are among the most overlooked fishkeeping species. These beautiful, small fish were only described and identified in 1994.
These beautiful Malawi fish measure between 2.5 and 3 inches in length. They can be combined with other Mbunas to create a stunning explosion of color.
These fish have a lot to offer and can be very individual. Inexperienced hands can make them a bit difficult to handle.
Are demasoni cichlids right for you? Are you a homeowner who has brought one home?
Continue reading to get the answers to all your questions. Let’s begin with a brief introduction.
Introduction To Demasoni Cichlids
| Name | Demasoni Cichlid |
| Scientific Name | Pseudotropheus demasoni |
| Other names | Demason’s Cichlid, Midnight Demasoni |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive |
| Take care | Moderate |
| Breeding | Moderate |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Temperature | 75-82degF (24-28degC) |
| pH Level | 7.6-8.6 |
| Lighting | Moderate |
| Minimum Tank Size | 40 gallons |
The Demasoni cichlid was named after Laif Demason, an internationally renowned fishkeeper who introduced exotic cichlid species to the West. Demasonis are native to areas known as Pombo Rocks or Ndumbi Reef in Lake Malawi.
This zebra-type Cichlid is best for experienced fishkeepers. It requires moderate to difficult care and can be quite aggressive.
IUCN has designated demasoni Cichlids as “vulnerable” on their endangered species list. They are now easily available in the USA and Europe, at a moderate price, ever since they were introduced in 1994.
Why would you want to get demasoni? They are small and beautiful, with vibrant colors.
How Long Do Demasoni Cichlids Live?
Demasoni cichlids can survive up to 10 year in tanks that are properly cared for.
Demasoni Cichlid’s Apearance
Demasonis dwarf cichlids are only 2.5 to 3.0 inches (6.4 to 7.6cm) long. The Demasonis have a long, elongated body shape that is typical of Mbunas.
The body is made up of alternating vertical stripes. These can be dark, dark, or light.
The head has three light-blue stripes, with two dark ones in between. It is striking that one of the dark lines is located right above the eyes, while the other runs across the forehead. This overlaps with the first bar below the gill cover.
Medium blue coloration is found on the chin. The dorsal fin stripes angle back with the darker ones being thicker than the lighter ones. The tail fin is very detailed with horizontal lines in both dark and light blue. The tail fin’s edge is highlighted with light blue, and the outline with a darker shade of blue.
To protect them from predators, their anal, dorsal and pectoral fins are lined by spiny rays. The fins’ frontal portion has a soft texture, which allows for effortless swimming.
Demasonis have well-developed pharyngeal and regular teeth. Lastly, they have one nostril per side instead of the 2 sets most fish have.
Sexual Dimorphism In Demasoni Cichlids
Female demasoni cichlids tend to be larger than their male counterparts. They are also richly colored and have egg spots on their anal fins that are absent in the females. They also have longer and more pointed anal and dorsal fins than females, which are rounder and less rounded.
As juveniles, female and male demasoni Cichlids are almost identical. It can be difficult to have sex with them unless you vent.
Demasoni Cichlid’s Diet
Although they are omnivores the Demasoni Cichlids tend to eat a more herbivore diet. Their small stature could explain their reduced hunting ability. They eat tiny invertebrates and aufwuchs that they find in the wild.
You can feed them the following foods while they are in captivity:
- Blanched vegetable
- Brine shrimp
- Blackworms
- Cichlid flake/pellets
- Spirulina algae
- Aufwuchs
- Small crustaceans
- Zooplankton
- Mites
- Snails
- Insect larvae
- Nymphs
- Seaweed
While there are many meaty options on this list, it is best to feed your pet a vegetable-based diet. A cichlid all-purpose formula can be added to supplement the diet.
Fiber-rich foods will keep your gut healthy. Spirulina alga will improve the color of the fish. Your demasonis will also benefit from additional vitamins and nutrients in their diet.
Damasonis should not be housed with cichlids who need to eat beef heart or other mammal meat. This could put them at risk.
Instead of one large meal, offer 2-3 smaller meals per day. Allow them to eat a portion that they can consume in three minutes. These actions will keep your water clean for longer periods of time.
Adults should also consider occasional fasting to regulate their metabolism.
Demasoni Cichlid’s Temperament
Do not judge by size. If their needs are not met, these Cichlids can become aggressive. It’s clear that they are not well-suited to a community tank.
They also have a curious side. They love to swim in the rocks, and can even swim upside-down.
Males tend to be more territorial and aggressive during the breeding season when they are looking for suitable spawning sites. Even a 1.5-inch-long male can chase a medium-sized fish away.
If the tankmates can work together, and the tank is large enough, demasoni’s aggression will be limited for most parts.
To curb aggression, make sure your tank is well-stocked with hiding spots and perform routine water changes.
Best Tankmates For Demasoni Cichlids
Demasoni cichlids may be kept together with other Mbuna species in large aquariums, as long as there are plenty of hiding places. It will only do well with aggressive Mbuna species that can maintain their ground under tension.
Make sure your tankmates are small and have a different pattern than the dark or light blue stripes.
Some suitable tankmates include:
Aggressive species to avoid:
- Melanochromis cichlids
- Labeotropheus cichlids
- Metriaclima, lombardoi, and crabro
Similar-looking species to avoid:
How many Demasoni Cichlids should you keep?
To disperse hostile behavior, should have at least 12 demasoni Cichlids. This will reduce the harassment that each female and dominant male experience.
These fish are found in large numbers in the wild. In captivity however, this school is used to disperse the bullying that dominant males do to others. So the hostility will not be limited to a handful of fish.
A small school of demasoni will be able to bully the fish one at a time until the dominant male is left alone.
What is the Ideal Male to Female Ratio in Demasoni Cichlids?
One male should have at least 3-4 females. This is a polygamous relationship in which a male mates several females. A higher number of females will result in more fry.
Demasoni Cichlids Natural Habitat
Demasoni cichlids are endemic to the large Lake Malawi but have a very restricted range. They are only found in Ndumi coral reef and Pombo rocks. They are often found in large groups on rocky areas.
High mineral content is found in the streams that run into the lake. The water chemistry does not change. Although it is impossible to replicate the exact parameters of the tank, it is important to take these things into consideration when you set up your tank for demasoni-cichlids.
Minimum Tank Size For Demasoni Cichlids
40gallons is the minimum tank size recommended for demasoni Cichlids. This includes a single fish. A 100+ gallon tank is best as you will need to keep several of these fish in one tank.
To ensure plenty of space for decoration and swimming, the tank must be at least 90cm/36in in height.
Best Substrate For Demasoni Cichlids
While sand is the most popular substrate for demasonis, you can also use crushed coral or a mixture of gravel and crushed coral. Saltwater tanks can be kept at a higher pH level by using sand and other substrates. They dissolve faster than sand.
A higher ph level can also mean a higher level of ammonia in the tank. Regular water changes are important.
Decorations for Demasoni Cichlids
Demasoni cichlids should be kept in tanks that have many rock structures. These fish are naturally curious and aggressive. This is why it’s important to place decorations strategically in order to reduce boredom and hostility within the tank.
To create numerous passageways or caves, you can arrange the rock piles. This will allow fish to create their own territories. It is very beneficial for both females and males.
A male hostile to anger may find it easier to channel his anger by constant distractions, such as moving rocks here and there.
To prevent fish from tumbling, make sure decorations are securely attached to the substrate.
Water Parameters For Demasoni Cichlids
| Temperature | 75-82degF (24-28degC) |
| pH Level | 7.6-8.6 |
| Water hardness | 10-18 dGH |
| Water Movement | Moderate |
| Nitrate Level | 25 ppm |
| Phosphate Level | 0.5ppm |
| Specific Gravity | 1.0002 |
| Water Region | Middle |
The water parameters of Lake Malawi and other lakes are extremely stable. Demasonis don’t like sudden changes in their environment.
Every week, you should do around 30% of your water changes. A 50% weekly water change is recommended if the tank is full.
The lake’s water is also highly mineralized. To increase the water’s carbonate-hardness, salt could be used as a buffering agent. These fish can handle a certain salt tolerance level and can be kept in slightly steamed water.
These fish can withstand saltwater levels that are around 10% higher than a standard saltwater aquarium.
Demasonis are small and don’t produce a lot of bioload due to their small size. You should still invest in a strong filtration system. You can choose to get 2 filters externally or one powerful filter.
The pH should be between 7.6-8.6.
They don’t thrive in temperatures below 75degF or above 82degF. If you are treating your fish for ich you can raise the temperature for a few more days.
You should also consider getting an air pump or stones to maintain the water’s freshness and oxygenation at all times. This is especially important if you are trying to curb aggression.
Our Pick Of Top Equipment For Demasoni Cichlids
These fish are small, but they require a lot of care. The larger the tank, the easier it is to control aggression. The filtration system and heating system must also be robust and reliable as they are not able to withstand dirty water or sudden temperature changes.
150-Gallon Starfire Aquarium
Cascade Canister Filter For Up To 200 Gallons
Submersible Heater 800 Watts
Breeding Demasoni Cichlids
The process of breeding demasoni cichlids to breed other fish in the genus is very similar. These fish are mouthbrooders and practice polygamy. They also have a matriarchal household. To increase the chances of your fry surviving, you should set up a separate tank.
The male will change into a darker color once he is ready to spawn. He will be very intolerant towards other males in his tank. He will bully any perceived rival to the death. He will also attack bottom dwellers in his search for a good mating spot.
The gravid female will be more round and swollen. You can also see male attention being paid to her by the males hovering over her and circling her.
If you are interested in breeding them, make sure to include flat rocks in your tank. These could be used as egg-laying areas. A high-protein diet and frequent water changes can often trigger spawning.
Once the male has located a good spot to mate, he will attempt to attract the female. After finding a suitable spot to mate, the male will circle around the female and try to court her. Sometimes, he may also nip and bully.
The egg-laying site will be chosen by the consenting female and she will lay her eggs there. The number of eggs she lays will depend on her age and health.
The eggs will be transferred into her mouth next. The male will then flaunt his anal fin, showing off the egg spots. The male will then assume the eggs are hers and run behind the female to retrieve them.
The male will then release sperm (or a mild cloud) into the female’s stomach, which will fertilize their eggs.
The eggs will be incubated by the female for approximately a week at 80°F. The fry will remain in the mother’s tummy for about a week after hatching.
You can give them brine shrimps, dried flake, crushed flake and fresh-hatched artemia. These fish can be aggressive, so it is important to keep in mind that they are very territorial. The older fry will readily eat the babies.
When transferring brooding fish from one tank to another, be sure to channel the highest level of delicacy. This species is known for spitting out eggs when they are stressed.
It is also a good idea to transfer shrimp as soon as possible. This is because if the female cichlid is not present in the main tank, she can lose her territory, and will fall down the pecking list.
How to Strip Eggs from Demasoni Cichlids?
Aquarists sometimes prefer to remove eggs from the Cichlid’s mouth and incubate them separately. This is usually done when the female cichlid accidentally eats her eggs.
Turn off the main tank’s lights. Take out water and fill up a small container halfway. Give the inhabitants time to adjust to their new normal.
Then, remove the fish gently using a net. Use your thumb and index fingers to open the fish’s mouth so that she spits the eggs into the container. After she finishes, place her back in her tank.
Transfer the eggs to the rearing tank. Make sure that the water parameters of the rearing aquarium are identical to those in the previous tank.
It is important to have strong air stones that can turn the eggs and prevent fungal buildup.
Health Issues In Demasoni Cichlids
If their dietary requirements are not met, Demasonis can become bloated. This condition can often be accompanied by a bloated stomach, panting, weight loss, thin, white stools, and a loose, irritable bowel. To prevent this, ensure that the fish has a well-enriched diet.
Demasonis, like all fish, are also susceptible to ich. It is important to ensure that the water remains clean and safe at all costs. To treat ich, you can heat the water to around 86°F (30°C) for a few more days. If that fails, you can try a copper-based treatment. Be sure to remove any water conditioners and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. My experience shows that copper treatment and increasing temperature both yield the best results.
Last but not least, there are always the possibility of skin flukes, parasitic infections, bacterial infections and fungal infections. All of these can be avoided if water parameters and diet are maintained.
Conclusion: Demasoni Cichlid Care Guide
It’s over for demasoni cechlids. To help you make informed decisions about these fish, we have made sure that everything is included.
Although the size of the fry is very small, their personality is huge. Even newborn fry can be competitive and hostile. To avoid the worst, make sure you have a large tank and suitable tankmates.