Description
**Maximum Size:** Chindongo demasoni can grow up to approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm) in length.
**Tank Size:** Provide a tank of at least 30 gallons (113 liters) for a small group of 4-6 individuals.
**Tank Setup:**
– Use fine sand as substrate to mimic their natural habitat.
– Include plenty of rocky formations with caves and crevices to create hiding spots and territories.
**Water Parameters:**
– Temperature: 75°F to 80°F (24°C to 27°C).
– pH Level: Slightly alkaline to neutral, ideally between 7.6 to 8.6.
– Water Hardness: Moderately hard to hard water, between 10 to 20 dH.
**Filtration:** Utilize a good quality filter to maintain water quality and prevent waste buildup.
**Feeding:**
– Chindongo demasoni is primarily herbivorous, feeding on algae and plant matter in the wild.
– Provide a high-quality, vegetable-based diet with cichlid pellets or flakes as their staple food.
– Supplement their diet with occasional live or frozen foods like brine shrimp or daphnia for variety.
**Tankmates:**
– Chindongo demasoni can be aggressive, especially towards conspecifics (other Demasoni cichlids).
– Best kept in a species-only tank or with peaceful Mbuna cichlids with similar temperaments.
– Avoid keeping them with larger, more aggressive fish to prevent stress and aggression.
**Behavior and Social Structure:**
– Keep a small group of 4 or more individuals to disperse aggression and reduce stress on single fish.
– Males can be territorial and display vibrant colors, especially during breeding.
**Health and Disease:**
– Regularly observe their behavior and appetite to spot any signs of illness.
– Quarantine new fish before adding them to the main tank to prevent disease transmission.
– Provide a balanced diet and clean water to support their overall health and immunity.
**Breeding:**
– Breeding Chindongo demasoni can be challenging due to their aggression.
– Provide plenty of rocky hiding spots for females to seek refuge during breeding.
– Keep the water quality pristine and consistent to encourage successful breeding.
By creating a suitable environment with rocky formations and offering a balanced diet, Chindongo demasoni will thrive and showcase their striking colors and unique behaviors. As they reach a maximum size of approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm), a smaller aquarium is suitable, but it’s essential to maintain proper water quality and monitor their behavior to ensure their well-being in the aquarium.