[DJRansome]

Welcome to Cichlid-forum!!

angry-admin? Sounds ominous!

I would skip the demasoni, but if you add them plan on 15 individuals after removing extra males. And don't add a fourth species. Given 1m:4f of each risk of cross breeding is low.

For one or even two more species consider 1m:7f of Pseudotroheus cyaneorhabdos Maingano for the same blue as demasoni.

You could up the other species to 1m:5f if you are good with three species. Or you could add Iodotropheus sprengerae 1m:4f as your fourth species with the Maingano.

 

[DJRansome]

Maingano are not more aggressive than demasoni. Keep them in the right sized tank and the right ratio and group size.

Maingano seem to be more robust than demasoni. Demasoni are a challenging fish, and you have to want them no matter what to do the extra work involved.

They are aggressive among themselves if the ratio or group size is wrong...and even then just to amuse themselves. They need the big group which not everyone wants to do, and therefore more males may have to be rehomed which most people find inconvenient.

They are more susceptible to "bloat".

Every time you have to rehome a male or net a sick fish or remove a sub-dominant male that has been rejected by the group (or the dominant male if you choose) it ends up being easiest to remove all the rocks.

I would switch over to NLS Cichlid Formula or Northfin Cichlid Formula when you run out of Hikari. The ingredients are of a higher quality with NLS and Northfin and both have spirulina and the right balance of protein and plant foods.