This species can potentially reach a maximum length of 10 centimetres (3.9 in) SL.

[2] Named in honor of Laif DeMason (Homestead, Florida, USA), importer, exporter, and breeder of cichlids.

[3] The color of both sexes is dark blue with black vertical stripes with alternating lighter stripes of light blue to white.

Males also grows to a larger maximum size than females.

This species belongs to the so-called Mbuna group of haplochromine cichlids, and like most Mbuna it is highly territorial, with parental care for the offspring (maternal mouthbrooding).