Polleni cichlid

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Paratilapia polleni

• Common Name: Polleni Cichlid, Starry Night Cichlid, Marakely

• Adult Size: 8–12 inches (20–30 cm), depending on locality and specimen.

• Life Expectancy: Approximately 10–15 years with excellent care.

• Habitat:

  • Native to Madagascar, particularly freshwater rivers, lakes and streams.

  • Found in rocky habitats with submerged wood, roots and natural hiding places.

  • Prefers warm, clean freshwater with moderate water movement.

  • Naturally inhabits areas with plenty of cover and territorial boundaries.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons (284 litres) for one adult; 125 gallons (473 litres) or larger is preferable for a pair.

• Ideal Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C).

• pH Range: 6.5–8.0.

• Water Hardness: 5–20 dGH.

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive to aggressive, particularly when mature or breeding.

  • Can become territorial towards other cichlids.

  • Provide caves, rocks and driftwood for shelter.

  • Choose tankmates carefully, preferably similarly sized robust fish.

  • Avoid keeping with small fish that may be eaten.

Diet & Nutrition

Carnivorous / Omnivorous – Opportunistic Predator

A balanced diet should include:

• High-quality large cichlid pellets.

• Frozen foods: krill, prawns, mysis shrimp and bloodworms.

• Earthworms and insect larvae.

• Chopped fish and seafood in moderation.

• Occasional crustaceans and other protein-rich foods.

Important: Polleni Cichlids naturally prey on small fish and aquatic invertebrates. Avoid feeding mammal or poultry meat, as it can cause digestive problems.

Breeding & Spawning

• Egg-layer: Biparental substrate spawner.

• Forms strong breeding pairs.

• Both parents select and clean a suitable spawning surface, such as a flat rock, driftwood or cave.

• Females deposit eggs on the prepared surface.

• Both parents guard and protect the eggs and fry.

• Eggs generally hatch within approximately 2–3 days.

• Fry can initially be fed newly hatched brine shrimp and finely powdered fry food.

• Breeding pairs can become extremely territorial during spawning.

Appearance

• Body Shape: Deep-bodied, robust and slightly elongated cichlid.

• Base Colour: Dark black, charcoal or deep brown.

• Distinctive Pattern: Numerous sparkling white, silver, blue or golden spots across the body.

• Eyes: Prominent eyes, often with golden or orange colouring.

• Fins: Well-developed dorsal, anal and caudal fins with attractive spotted markings.

• Adult Males: Generally larger, with longer fin extensions and sometimes a pronounced forehead profile.

Distinctive Features

• Beautiful star-like metallic spots covering the dark body.

• Also known as the Black Diamond or Starry Night Cichlid.

• One of Madagascar's most attractive large freshwater cichlids.

• Intelligent and observant, with interesting hunting behaviour.

• Can develop strong bonds with a compatible breeding partner.

• Predatory towards smaller fish.

• Requires excellent filtration and consistent water quality.

• Best suited to spacious specialist cichlid aquariums.

Special Note: Paratilapia polleni occurs in different geographical forms, commonly referred to as small-spot and large-spot varieties. These forms should not be mixed for breeding because they may hybridise. The species is endemic to Madagascar and is listed as Vulnerable, making responsible sourcing and captive-bred specimens particularly important.