Care and Compatibility of Dwarf Pombos - Pseudotropheus Demasoni


Introduction

The Dwarf Pombos has a compact and oval-shaped body with distinctive electric blue coloration. Both males and females have black stripe patterns throughout their body, making them easily recognizable. Males are usually larger and have more intense colors than females. They can reach sizes of up to 10 centimeters in length.

Behavior

The Dwarf Pombos, also known as Pseudotropheus Demasoni, is a small and lively cichlid fish found in Lake Malawi, Africa. They are known for their vibrant electric blue coloration with black stripes, making them highly attractive in the aquarium. They are territorial and aggressive fish, so it is recommended to keep them in a suitable aquarium with sufficient hiding places and swimming space.

Sexual Dimorphism

Sexual dimorphism in Pseudotropheus demasoni is minimal and difficult to distinguish. Both males and females have a similar appearance, though males may display slightly more intense colors and increased aggression during breeding season.

Reproduction

Breeding the Dwarf Pombos can be challenging and requires specific conditions. It is recommended to keep a group of several females with one male to increase the chances of success. They will build nests in sandy substrate areas, and the females will deposit their eggs there. The males will fertilize the eggs and guard them until they hatch. The fry can be fed with powdered foods and brine shrimp larvae until they are large enough to accept larger foods.

Aquarium Conditions

Pseudotropheus demasoni, commonly known as demasoni cichlid, requires an aquarium with rocks to create structures and caves. It prefers alkaline water and a warm temperature. Aquarium décor should include large rocks and sand substrate. Maintaining water quality is crucial and providing a balanced diet.

Feeding

They are omnivorous fish and accept a variety of foods in their diet. They primarily feed on small live organisms such as crustaceans and insect larvae, as well as algae and plant matter. In the aquarium, they can be offered commercial foods in the form of pellets or flakes, as well as fresh foods such as shrimp, worms, and blanched and crushed vegetables.

Complexity

Caring for Pseudotropheus demasoni can be moderately challenging. They are territorial fish and can be aggressive towards other cichlids. It's recommended to keep them in a larger group or in a African cichlid tank. They are omnivores and accept a variety of foods, but prefer live and frozen foods.


In case you need more help, or if you want to know into any topic related to the Pseudotropheus Demasoni (Dwarf Pombos) and even any other species you can use the forums to ask what you need.

To do an analysis more detailed about coexistence and behavior of Pseudotropheus Demasoni (Dwarf Pombos) use the Aquarium simulation tool, if you do this you can test different ways to combine the Dwarf Pombos with other fishes giving the dimensions and space on you aquarium, on this way you can known the optimal configuration for keep the fishes that you want.

You can also find out the 14 species compatible with the Pseudotropheus Demasoni (Dwarf Pombos) can live together.

Note: The parameters of the water such as PH and temperature are also used to calculate the compatibility of the species.


Compatible species (14)

Compatible (5 Species)

Compatible without any restriction


Nerite Snail - Neritina sp

Nerite Snail

Neritina sp

Lemon Catfish - Hemiancistrus subviridis

Lemon Catfish

Hemiancistrus subviridis

Pearl Cichlid - Altolamprologus Calvus

Pearl Cichlid

Altolamprologus Calvus

Labidochromis caeruleus - Labidochromis caeruleus

Labidochromis caeruleus

Labidochromis caeruleus

Aggressive and / or territorial fish can live with fish protected by a shell, since they cannot eat them because of their tough skin or attack them without being injured themselves.


Suckermouth catfish - Hypostomus plecostomus

Suckermouth catfish

Hypostomus plecostomus

With Reservation (9 Species)

Compatible in some cases, it depends on the nature and personality of the fish.


Horned Snail - Tyloperlamania sp

Horned Snail

Tyloperlamania sp

IndoPlanorbis Exustus - Planorbis planorbis

IndoPlanorbis Exustus

Planorbis planorbis

Duboisi Cichlid - Tropheus duboisi

Duboisi Cichlid

Tropheus duboisi

Si se quieren mantener varios ejemplares se recomienda mantener un macho por cada 3 o 4 hembras, ademas de tener el acuario con muchos refugios y dimensiones favorables.


Dwarf Pombos - Pseudotropheus Demasoni

Dwarf Pombos

Pseudotropheus Demasoni

Estos peces son ciclidos africanos del lago Malawi agresivos, por lo general pueden convivir con otros Mbunas agresivos si cuentan con espacio suficiente en el acuario, rocas y escondites donde puedan refugiarse de ser necesario.


Neon Spot fish - Pseudotropheus elongatus chewere

Neon Spot fish

Pseudotropheus elongatus chewere

Luwala Cichlid - Pseudotropheus Acei

Luwala Cichlid

Pseudotropheus Acei

Bumblebee Cichlid - Pseudotropheus crabro

Bumblebee Cichlid

Pseudotropheus crabro

Johanni Cichlid - Melanochromis johannii

Johanni Cichlid

Melanochromis johannii

Melanochromis auratus - Melanochromis auratus

Melanochromis auratus

Melanochromis auratus

Dwarf Pombos

Pseudotropheus Demasoni

Dwarf Pombos - Pseudotropheus Demasoni
  • Ph: 7.7 - 8.8
  • Temperature (c°): 24 - 26
  • Measures: 6 cm - 9cm
  • Aquarium Capacity:
    63 Liters - 17 Gallons
  • Behavior: Aggressive
  • Size: Small
  • Swimming area: Swim in the middle of the aquarium
  • Taxonomy: Mbunas
  • Water Type: Sweet water