General information – The Pseudotropheus demasoni is an

aggressive, attractive, striped Malawian cichlid. It is found in a rocky

environment at Pombo Rocks and Ndumbi Rocks. This fish named after

ad Konings best friend Laif Demason. Pseudotropheus demasoni

despite its small size is mean and can easily dominate other

tankmates. Males and females have similar coloration: rather bright

blue body with dark blue to purple (sometimes appearing black) vertical

bars extending on the dorsal fin. 

Common Name - Demason's cichlid    

Scientific Name - Pseudotropheus demasoni 

Family –Cichlidae 

Origin - Pseudotropheus demasoni is endemic to Lake Malawi in Africa 

Size – 4cm - 8cm (1.6 - 3.1 in) 

Photo by: Amir Levi

Nutrition - Pseudotropheus demasoni should have a diet rich in vegetables and low in proteins.

Spirulina flakes and veggie cichlid pellets is essential.  

Behavior – Aggressive 

Maintenance and care – The Pseudotropheus demasoni requires large tank (40 gallon/150 litters)

decorated with rocks that allow the fish good hiding places and free areas to swim onIt can be kept with

other species with the same temperament.It's recommended to keep a larger amount of Demason's cichlid

to avoid some of the aggression. 12-20 fishes are recommended. Male should be kept with 6-7 females.     

Pseudotropheus demasoni like all Malawian fish, comes from hard, alkaline water 

Water Parameters – Temperature: 22C - 28C (71.6F - 82.4 F), PH: 8.0 - 8.8, dGH 10 - 18 

Breeding - Pseudotropheus demasoni are female mouth brooders, which means that the mother will pick

up the eggs and guard them in her mouth. Females are excellent holders. The Preferred spawning site is on

a flat stone, the female will take the unfertilized eggs in her mouth, and eggs will be fertilized after the male

release his sperm into her mouth. This process occurs when the female follow the male very close to his

anal fin, the male have spots on this fin, those spots known as dummy eggs, the female believes these are

more eggs and goes to catch them this is the right moment for the male to release his sperm.

After 21-28 days the female release her fry to the open water, the fry are big enough and without the yolk.