malawi

Pseudotropheus Demasoni Pombo Rocks F1

🐟 Pseudotropheus demasoni “Pombo Rocks” — Species Description
📏 Size

Adult size: 7–9 cm (2.8–3.5 inches)

One of the smallest Mbuna, but not less aggressive because of size

Males and females are identical in appearance

🌍 Occurrence (Natural Origin)

Endemic to Lake Malawi, East Africa

Naturally occurs at Pombo Rocks, a rocky reef near Tanzania

Habitat:

Steep rocky reefs

Narrow crevices and caves

Shallow to mid-depth zones

“Pombo Rocks” is a true geographic locality, meaning this is a pure wild population, not a line-bred strain.

🎨 Appearance

Body color:

Intense deep blue

Pattern:

Very tight, narrow black vertical bars (more numerous than most Mbuna)

Fins:

Black and blue striping continues into dorsal and anal fins

Coloration is identical in males and females, making sexing difficult

🍽️ Diet (Preferred Food)

In the wild:

Strict aufwuchs grazer

Feeds on:

Algae

Diatoms

Microscopic invertebrates on rock surfaces

In the aquarium:

Spirulina-based flakes or pellets

Vegetable-rich Mbuna diets

Occasional very light protein:

Brine shrimp

Daphnia

⚠️ Avoid high-protein foods (bloodworms, beef heart). P. demasoni is extremely prone to Malawi bloat if fed incorrectly.

🧠 Behavior & Temperament

Extremely aggressive and territorial

Aggression is directed toward its own species

Best kept:

In large groups (12–20+ individuals) to spread aggression, or

In species-only tanks

Never keep in small numbers (e.g., 1–4 fish) — this leads to constant fighting and deaths

⚠️ Not suitable for mixed Mbuna tanks unless the aquarium is very large and heavily stocked.

🏞️ Preferred Aquarium Conditions

Tank size:

Species-only: 250–300 L (65–75 gallons)

Mixed Mbuna: 450 L+ (120 gallons+)

pH: 7.8–8.6

Hardness: Moderate to hard

Temperature: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)

Substrate: Sand

Décor: Extremely dense rockwork with many hiding places and broken sight lines

🧾 Quick Summary
Feature Details
Scientific Name Pseudotropheus demasoni
Locality Pombo Rocks
Group Mbuna
Adult Size 7–9 cm (2.8–3.5 in)
Origin Lake Malawi
Diet Strict herbivore (aufwuchs)
Temperament Extremely aggressive
Best Setup Large group, species-only tank

⚠️ Critical Compatibility Note

DO NOT mix Pseudotropheus demasoni with:

Melanochromis species

Metriaclima species

Calm Mbuna (Labidochromis, Pseudotropheus acei)

Any Hap or Peacock species

If you keep Demasoni, they should be the centerpiece species, not an addition.