Pseudotropheus demasoni: small, blue and feisty
The demasoni is one of the smallest mbuna, but certainly not the calmest. Kept in the right group size, it is a real eye-catcher.
With its blue and black stripes, Pseudotropheus demasoni is instantly recognisable. The species grows to about 8 cm and in the wild lives on the rocks of Pombo Rocks, on the Tanzanian shore of Lake Malawi.
Group behaviour
Demasoni are very aggressive towards each other. A few specimens together almost always ends in bullying. The solution is a large group: from about 12 fish the aggression is spread across the whole group.
The aquarium
- At least 120 cm long, with lots of rocks and caves
- pH 7.8–8.6 and a temperature of 24–27 °C
- Strong filtration and generous weekly water changes
Suitable tankmates
Choose species with a clearly different colour or pattern, such as the yellow Labidochromis caeruleus. Avoid other blue-striped mbuna: a demasoni sees them as rivals.
Feeding
Like other mbuna, the demasoni mainly eats algae. A spirulina-rich pellet or flake food is the basis.