Demasoni Cichlid: Tank Size, Tank Mates and How Many to Keep

Demasoni are small Lake Malawi cichlids with dark blue and black bars. They are beautiful and fierce, and they fight each other unless kept as a large group among rocks.

Adult size
3 in7.5 cm
Smallest tank
54 gallons205 liters
Comfortable in
55 gallonor bigger
How many
6 or more
Temperature
75–82 °F24–28 °C
pH
7.6–8.8
Temperament
Aggressive
Swims
In the middle
Heater needed
Yes

What size tank do demasoni cichlids need?

At least 54 gallons (205 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 55 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Chindongo demasoni.

How many demasoni cichlids in each tank size?

This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if demasoni cichlids are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.

TankHow many demasoni cichlids
5 gallonToo small
10 gallonToo small
20 gallon longToo small
29 gallonToo small
40 gallon breederToo small
55 gallonup to 16
75 gallonup to 22
125 gallonup to 38

Check demasoni cichlids against your own tank and other fish

Good to know

  • Lake Malawi fish: hard, alkaline water. Very territorial with its own kind, so keep a group, not a few.
  • Keep at least 6. Alone or in twos and threes, demasoni cichlids hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.

Tank mates for demasoni cichlids

These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.

Poor matches

  • Betta: Demasoni cichlid is aggressive and will not leave it alone. Betta would be bullied.
  • Angelfish: These fish do not share a comfortable pH range. Choose fish from similar water.
  • Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
  • Oscar: Oscar (about 12 in) can eat demasoni cichlid (about 3 in).

Questions and answers

What size tank do demasoni cichlids need?

At least 54 gallons (205 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 55 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.

How many demasoni cichlids should be kept together?

At least 6. Demasoni cichlids are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.

Can demasoni cichlids live in a 10 gallon tank?

No. Demasoni cichlid needs at least 54 gallons (205 liters).

What temperature do demasoni cichlids need?

75–82 °F (24–28 °C), with a pH of 7.6–8.8. In most homes that means a heater.

Can demasoni cichlids live with a betta?

It is not a good match. Demasoni cichlid is aggressive and will not leave it alone. Betta would be bullied.

More fish

Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.