Paratilapia polleni 4 - (Paratilapia polleni) — 4-5cm

Overview

The Paratilapia polleni (often called the Starry-Night Cichlid or Black Diamond Cichlid) is a striking Madagascar cichlid with a dark body covered in bright star-like spots, ideal for experienced aquarists seeking a bold centerpiece fish. Endemic to Madagascar, this impressive species reaches up to 22 cm in adult length and is renowned for its dramatic coloration, territorial behavior, and powerful build. Now available for sale UK from Tropical Fish Co, P. polleni represents an excellent choice for aquarists prepared to manage a large, demanding, and visually stunning cichlid in spacious, well-filtered aquariums.

Appearance and Distinctive Features

Adult Paratilapia polleni are large, robust fish with a dramatic color pattern that immediately commands attention. The body is typically deep black or dark grey-brown, covered in hundreds of small white, yellow, or iridescent blue spots that create a stunning starry-night effect. The intensity and distribution of spots vary by individual, locality, and condition, with healthy, well-fed adults displaying the most vivid patterns. Males are generally larger and more intensely colored than females, with more pronounced finnage and deeper body profiles. Juveniles are less boldly patterned, developing the characteristic star-speckled appearance as they mature. The powerful jaws, robust build, and continuous dorsal fin are characteristic of large predatory cichlids.

Natural Habitat and Distribution

Madagascar is home to a unique and highly threatened freshwater fish fauna, with many endemic species found nowhere else on Earth. Paratilapia polleni is endemic to Madagascar, inhabiting rivers, lakes, and streams with sandy or rocky substrates, submerged roots, and aquatic vegetation. Water conditions in these habitats are typically warm, soft to moderately hard, and slightly acidic to neutral, with moderate flow and clear to slightly turbid water. The natural environment is characterized by abundant hiding places among rocks, roots, and vegetation. Habitat degradation and overfishing have led to population declines in the wild, making captive breeding efforts particularly important for conservation. Replicating these conditions is essential for the health, coloration, and breeding success of P. polleni in captivity.

Aquarium Setup and Environment

A minimum tank size of 500 litres is essential for a single adult or pair of Paratilapia polleni. Larger tanks (600+ litres) are strongly recommended if tankmates are planned or if breeding is anticipated. The aquascape should feature sturdy, weighted decor such as large rocks, substantial driftwood, heavy plant pots, and securely anchored hardscape, as this species is powerful and may rearrange lighter objects. Use a sandy or fine gravel substrate to allow natural foraging behavior. Avoid delicate live plants, as P. polleni may uproot or damage them; if plants are desired, use extremely robust species such as Anubias, Java Fern, or Vallisneria attached to hardscape or weighted down securely. Strong filtration (canister or sump system rated for 8-10x tank volume per hour) and frequent water changes (40-50% weekly) are essential to manage the heavy waste load and maintain stable water quality.

Diet and Feeding Requirements

Paratilapia polleni is omnivorous with a preference for meaty foods, feeding on insects, worms, crustaceans, small fish, and plant matter in the wild. In captivity, provide a varied diet based on high-quality large cichlid pellets, supplemented with frozen or live meaty foods such as shrimp, krill, earthworms, mussels, insect larvae, and occasional whole fish or fish fillets. Supplement with occasional vegetable matter or spirulina-based foods to support digestive health and provide dietary variety. Avoid overfeeding, as this species is prone to obesity and digestive issues if fed excessively. Feed one to two times daily, offering only what the fish can consume in 2-3 minutes. A varied, balanced diet will promote vibrant spot coloration, healthy growth, and conditioning for breeding.

Temperament and Social Behavior

Paratilapia polleni is classified as semi-aggressive, with territorial behavior intensifying significantly during breeding. Males establish large territories and will aggressively defend them against rivals and perceived intruders, often displaying intense coloration and flaring fins to assert dominance. Females are generally less aggressive but can become defensive when guarding eggs or fry. Outside breeding periods, individuals can be relatively peaceful toward larger tankmates but may predate on smaller fish. This species is highly intelligent, curious, and interactive, often recognizing its keeper, responding to feeding cues, and investigating new objects or changes in the environment. The combination of size, power, and bold personality makes P. polleni a rewarding but demanding species best suited to experienced aquarists.

Compatible Tank Mates

Due to their size, territorial nature, and predatory tendencies, Paratilapia polleni are best kept singly or as a bonded pair in a large species tank. If tankmates are used, choose only very large, robust fish with similar water needs and plenty of space, such as large armored catfish (e.g., large Synodontis species or Pterygoplichthys), other large sturdy cichlids of comparable size and temperament (only if tank is very large and territories are well managed), or other large, fast-moving fish that can hold their own. Avoid housing with small fish, shrimp, snails, fin-nipping species, and very aggressive territorial cichlids. The safest and most rewarding approach is to keep this species alone or as a breeding pair in a spacious, well-filtered aquarium.

Breeding and Reproduction

Paratilapia polleni is a substrate-spawning cichlid that forms a pair and lays eggs on a cleaned surface. Breeding is triggered by stable warm water (26-28°C), excellent water quality, and a high-quality, protein-enriched diet. However, successful breeding in home aquaria is uncommon and requires a stable, well-structured environment with plenty of spawning sites. Males establish territories and display intense coloration to attract females, often cleaning flat surfaces as spawning sites. Parents may guard the eggs and fry, becoming extremely aggressive toward any fish that ventures too close. Eggs hatch in 2-3 days, and fry become free-swimming within a week. Feed fry on newly hatched brine shrimp, finely crushed flake, or commercial fry powder. Provide a separate breeding tank if possible, as parents may become extremely aggressive during breeding.

Special Care and Health Considerations

The primary challenges in keeping Paratilapia polleni are managing their large size, heavy waste production, territorial aggression, and predatory nature. Strong filtration and frequent large water changes are non-negotiable, as poor water quality will lead to stress, disease, and shortened lifespan. This species is generally hardy and resistant to common diseases when kept in stable conditions, but remains susceptible to ich, fungal infections, and bacterial issues if water quality declines. Provide a varied, balanced diet to prevent obesity and digestive problems. Monitor for signs of aggression or stress, particularly during breeding, and be prepared to separate individuals if bullying becomes excessive. Avoid housing with small, delicate, or slow-moving fish. With proper care, stable conditions, and plenty of space, P. polleni is a long-lived, rewarding species that can thrive for a decade or more in captivity.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

Tropical Fish Co is the UK's leading specialist in rare, healthy, and ethically sourced cichlids from around the world. Every Paratilapia polleni is carefully selected for health, coloration, and vitality, and shipped with expert care to ensure safe arrival. We provide comprehensive care guidance, ongoing support, and a live arrival guarantee on all livestock orders. Our commitment to quality, conservation, and customer satisfaction makes us the preferred choice for aquarists seeking unique, challenging, and rewarding species. Order your Paratilapia polleni today and experience the stunning beauty, intelligence, and bold personality of this iconic Madagascar cichlid.