Polleni Cichlid

fish description – Polleni Cichlid Care Guide ($Paratilapia\ polleni$)

Category	Detail
Scientific Name	$Paratilapia\ polleni$
Common Name	Polleni Cichlid, Starry Night Cichlid, Black Diamond Cichlid, Marakeli Cichlid
Origin	Rivers and waterways of Madagascar (Africa)
Adult Size	10–12 inches (25–30 cm)
Temperament	Aggressive, highly territorial, predatory toward small fish
Lifespan	10–15 years
Care Level	Moderate to Advanced (due to size, aggression, and diet)

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Appearance and Sexual Differences

 

• Short Description: A robust, deep-bodied cichlid with a dark base color (black or deep olive-brown) covered from head to tail with brilliant, iridescent blue, white, or green spots that resemble stars in the night sky. The coloration becomes more striking as the fish matures.
• Coloration: Dark black or deep brown base with metallic speckling. Males are generally larger, develop longer extensions on their dorsal and anal fins, and may darken intensely during breeding. Females are smaller and rounder-bodied.
• Fins: Large, pointed fins in mature males, carrying the iridescent spotting.
• Behavior: Highly territorial and aggressive, especially toward its own species. They are active diggers and will rearrange the substrate to prepare spawning pits. They are opportunistic predators and should be kept with fish too large to be eaten.

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Tank Requirements and Water Parameters

 

• Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons (284 liters) is the minimum for a single adult. 125 gallons or larger is required for a pair or for keeping with other robust tank mates.
• Schooling: Best kept as a solitary specimen or a bonded, monogamous pair. Aggression toward conspecifics is high; avoid housing more than two unless the tank is immense (400+ gallons).
• Temperature: Tropical range: $75^\circ$–$82^\circ\text{F}\ (24^\circ$–$28^\circ\mathrm{C})$. They are sensitive to poor water conditions and low temperatures (prone to Whitespot/Ich).
• pH Level: Neutral to slightly alkaline: 6.5 to 7.8. They tolerate a moderate range but require powerful filtration and regular, frequent water changes (20–30% weekly) to control the heavy bioload.
• Aquascape: Requires a soft sand or fine gravel substrate (they dig). Decorate with heavy, securely anchored rockwork and driftwood to create caves, shelters, and strong visual barriers to define territory. Avoid delicate live plants, as they may be uprooted during digging or spawning.

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Diet and Feeding

 

The Polleni Cichlid is an omnivore with a strong carnivorous preference.

• Staple Diet: High-quality cichlid pellets or granules formulated for large, omnivorous cichlids.
• Supplementation: A varied, protein-rich diet is essential for growth and color. Offer frozen or live foods regularly: Shrimp, Krill, Earthworms, Mysis Shrimp, and Bloodworms. Supplement occasionally with vegetable matter (spirulina, blanched zucchini). Avoid mammalian meats (e.g., beef heart) due to digestibility issues.
• Schedule: Feed 1–2 times daily. They are enthusiastic eaters.

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Compatibility

 

• Caution: Highly aggressive and predatory. Best kept with very large, robust, and durable fish. Will eat any small fish or invertebrate (including large ornamental shrimp) that fits in its mouth. Aggression intensifies when paired for breeding.
• Good Tank Mates (in very large tanks): Other large, semi-aggressive cichlids and armored fish. Examples include Oscars, Severums, Green Terrors, Jack Dempseys, large Plecos (L-Numbers, Bristlenose), and large Catfish (Synodontis).