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The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

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Common name: DeMason's Cichlid

Synonyms and Other Names: Chindongo demasoni (Konings 1994)

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Pseudotropheus demasoni is a small species of monomorphic cichlid in which both the male and female exhibit bold blue-black vertical stripes on a light blue body (Konings 1994). It has a terminally positioned mouth with an upper jaw that protrudes slightly, with four to six rows of teeth in the upper jaw and five to six rows in the lower jaw (Konings 1994). Pseudotropheus demasoni looks similar in appearance to the male Pseudotropheus saulosi (Saulosi cichlid), but P. demasoni only has four dark bars below the dorsal fin whereas P. saulosi has five or six (Konings 1994).

Size: Up to 8 cm total length (Konings 1994).

Native Range: Endemic to the Pombo and Ndumbi reefs of Lake Malawi, Tanzania (Konings 1994)

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Ecology: Pseudotropheus demasoni is a freshwater cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi and occurs on the Pombo and Ndumbi reefs to the south of the Ruhuhu River Delta (Konings 1994). It inhabits rocky substrate in shallow waters not exceeding seven meters deep (Konings 1994). Pseudotropheus demasoni is an algae eater and visually selects feeding sites such as algae-covered rockfaces and large boulders (Konings 1994). The species appears to be docile and does not exhibit intraspecific or breading-related aggression (Konings 1994).

Means of Introduction: Likely an aquarium release

Status: Failed introduction

Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.

Remarks: Although this species is relatively rare in the wild, it has become popular in the aquarium trade (Konings 1994).

References: (click for full references)

Konings, A.F. 1994. Pseudotropheus demasoni sp. nov: a sexually monomorphic cichlid from the Tanzanian coast of Lake Malawi. Cichlids Yearbook, 4: 24-27.

Other Resources:

Author: Reaver, K.M.

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.