A stunning but notoriously aggressive dwarf Mbuna from Lake Malawi. Known for its intense dark blue and black vertical stripes. They are strict herbivores (Aufwuchs grazers) and prone to 'Malawi Bloat' if fed high-protein diets. Due to extreme aggression toward their own kind, they require specific stocking densities.
Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna) At a Glance
Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna) Tank Requirements
Will Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna) fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna) needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna) against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna) Water Parameters
Water care products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna) Temperament & Compatibility
Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna) Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard (Colony)
Demasoni are monomorphic (males and females look identical). To disperse their intense aggression, they must be kept in large groups of 12 or more. Keeping 2-11 individuals almost always results in the dominant male killing the others.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Unsexed, Juvenile
Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna) Care Guide Summary
The Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna), scientifically known as Chindongo demasoni, belongs to the Cichlids - African family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 8 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as highly aggressive, this species primarily occupies the bottom and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna) requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 200 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 7.6–8.6 and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna) is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. The Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna) is typically available in one standard form.
Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna) Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna), a high water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour and an established tank with natural algae growth, as they depend on it as a primary food source. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured and live planted layouts may be difficult to maintain, as this species tends to uproot or consume vegetation.
Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna) Compatibility Notes
Classified as highly aggressive, the Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna) is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks, territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited, and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna) Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna).
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
Feeding products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
.webp?2026-04-25T14%3A35%3A38.022Z)
Frequently Asked Questions About Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna)
How big does Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna) get?
Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna) (Chindongo demasoni) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 8 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna) need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 200 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna). This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna) need?
Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna) thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 7.6 and 8.6, and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
Is Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna) peaceful or aggressive?
Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna) is classified as highly aggressive with an aggression score of 9 out of 10. Careful tankmate selection is essential to avoid conflict.
How many Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna) should be kept together?
Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna) is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 12. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna) have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna) benefits from sand (sifters) and established algae (otocinclus) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna)
These plants pair well with Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna) based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Gillet's Anubias
Anubias gilletii
Java Fern
Leptochilus pteropus
Pothos
Epipremnum aureum
Fish Similar to Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna)
Saulosi Cichlid
Chindongo saulosi
A critically endangered 'dwarf' Mbuna cichlid from Lake Malawi, famous for its extreme sexual dimorphism. Females and juveniles are a vibrant, solid yellow, while dominant males transform into a striking light blue with thick black vertical bars. Like all Mbuna, they are rock-dwelling aufwuchs grazers that require a strict harem structure (1 male to 3+ females) to manage their aggressive and territorial nature.
Chipokae Mbuna
Melanochromis chipokae
A highly aggressive, torpedo-shaped Mbuna cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi. Known for intense sexual dimorphism, this species is extremely territorial. They require a rock-heavy setup to provide caves and break sightlines, along with hard, alkaline water. They graze on algae (Aufwuchs) and require a low-protein diet to prevent Malawi bloat.
Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna)
Melanochromis auratus
The Auratus Cichlid is a stunning but notoriously aggressive Mbuna from Lake Malawi. They exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism. They are strictly rock-dwellers that graze on algae (aufwuchs). Due to their hyper-aggressive nature, they must be kept in species-only or carefully managed, overstocked Mbuna setups with a strict harem ratio (1 male to several females) to disperse aggression.
Trewavas' Cichlid
Labeotropheus trewavasae
A distinctive, rock-dwelling Mbuna from Lake Malawi easily identified by its fleshy, overhanging snout. They use this specialized mouth to scrape algae (aufwuchs) from rocks while remaining parallel to the surface. Highly active and aggressively territorial, they require a heavily rock-scaped tank, hard alkaline water, and a strict herbivorous diet to prevent 'Malawi bloat'.
Msobo Mbuna
Metriaclima sp. "Msobo"
A highly prized Mbuna from Lake Malawi famous for extreme sexual dimorphism. They are rock-dwelling aufwuchs grazers that require hard, alkaline water. Like most Mbuna, they are highly territorial and aggressive, requiring overstocking and careful male-to-female ratios (harems) to disperse aggression. A minimum 4-foot tank with copious rockwork is mandatory.
Bumblebee Cichlid
Pseudotropheus crabro
A robust and highly aggressive Mbuna from Lake Malawi. They are famous for their rapid color changes; while females and juveniles boast striking yellow and black 'bumblebee' bars, dominant males turn almost completely pitch black. In the wild, they are opportunistic feeders that clean parasites from large catfish and steal their eggs.