Species profile
Demasoni Cichlid
Chindongo demasoni
Aggressive
Hard care
180 L minimum aquarium
6–8 cm adult size
Mid bottom
Minimum group: 5
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Small but exceptionally combative mbuna. Requires a deliberate single-male/multiple-female strategy, dense rockwork and excellent filtration in hard alkaline water.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–26 °C
pH
7.5–8.5
GH
Up to 25 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate–high
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 5
Tank zone
Mid bottom
Territory level
High
Predation risk
Tiny fry
Bioload factor
2.5
Do not judge aggression by body size. Conspecific and similar-looking rivals can be attacked relentlessly. Maidenhead's example uses one male with four females even in a small mbuna community; larger quarters are easier to manage.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
Yes / caution
Plant safe
Caution
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Herbivore
Minimum aquarium volume
180 L
Minimum footprint
90 × 40 cm
Accepted scientific name
Chindongo demasoni
Alternative names
Pseudotropheus demasoni, Demasoni Mbuna
Native range
Endemic to the Pombo Rocks area of Lake Malawi, Tanzania.
Natural habitat
Rock-dwelling mbuna habitat with constant access to crevices and grazing surfaces. Provide many caves and broken sightlines with high oxygenation.
Diet & feeding
Feed a fibre-rich mbuna diet based on quality spirulina/vegetable-rich foods with only modest supplementary animal protein.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Sexes are visually similar. Behaviour and size may offer clues, but venting mature fish is the dependable method.
Breeding
Polygamous maternal mouthbrooder. Females carry fertilised eggs and developing fry while the male defends a spawning territory.