Paratilapia polleni, commonly known as the Starry Night Cichlid or Black Diamond Cichlid, is a visually stunning freshwater fish endemic to the rivers and lakes of Madagascar. It is highly prized by aquarists for its jet-black body covered in iridescent white, blue, or gold spots.
Key Characteristics
Size: Reaches an impressive 10–12 inches (25–30 cm) at maturity.
Lifespan: Can live between 10 to 15 years with proper care.
Temperament: Territorial and aggressive, particularly toward their own species or similarly sized fish.
Conservation Status: Currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat destruction and competition from invasive species.
Aquarium Care
Tank Size: A minimum of 75 gallons is required for a single fish, while 125+ gallons is recommended for pairs or community setups.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 74°F to 82°F (23°C to 28°C).
pH: 6.5 to 7.5.
Hardness: 6–15 dGH.
Diet: They are opportunistic carnivores that thrive on high-protein foods like cichlid pellets, frozen krill, bloodworms, and mysis shrimp.
