Demasoni cichlid

The demasoni cichlid is a small mbuna cichlid of the family Cichlidae, endemic to a limited rocky area of Lake Malawi in East Africa. It has a striking pattern of alternating deep blue and black vertical bars running the length of the body. Despite its small size it is extremely aggressive and territorial, particularly toward its own kind and similarly patterned fish. The usual approach is to keep a large group of a dozen or more to diffuse aggression, rather than just a pair. A rocky aquarium with many caves and territories, in hard, alkaline water, replicates its Malawi habitat. It is largely herbivorous, grazing algae (aufwuchs) from rocks, and should be fed a vegetable-based diet; excess protein can cause digestive problems. It is a mouthbrooder, with the female incubating eggs and fry in her mouth. Its intensity makes it best for experienced Malawi keepers.