🌌 Polleni Cichlid / Starry Night Cichlid – (Paratilapia polleni) – Madagascar Black Diamond Cichlid

The Polleni Cichlid (Paratilapia polleni), commonly known as the Starry Night Cichlid, Black Diamond Madagascar Cichlid, or Marakely, is one of Madagascar's most distinctive freshwater cichlids.

Its deep:

• Black
• Charcoal
• Dark chocolate
• Blue-black

body is covered with hundreds of brilliant metallic spots that can appear:

• White
• Silver
• Pale blue
• Turquoise
• Blue-green

depending on the fish, lighting, mood, and viewing angle.

Against the dark body, these shimmering markings resemble:

STARS ACROSS A NIGHT SKY

which gives this species its popular:

STARRY NIGHT CICHLID

name.

Paratilapia polleni is found naturally only on the island of:

MADAGASCAR

and is currently classified as:

VULNERABLE

making responsible aquarium care and captive propagation especially valuable.

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🔎 Quick Facts – Polleni / Starry Night Cichlid

• 📛 Common Name: Polleni Cichlid
• 🌌 Popular Name: Starry Night Cichlid
• 💎 Other Names: Black Diamond Madagascar Cichlid, Pollen's Cichlid, Marakely
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Paratilapia polleni
• 📅 Described: 1868
• 🐟 Family: Cichlidae
• 🧬 Subfamily: Ptychochrominae
• 🌎 Origin: Madagascar
• 🇲🇬 Native Status: Endemic to Madagascar
• 💧 Water Type: Freshwater
• 📏 Scientific Maximum: Approximately 28 cm / 11 inches total length
• 📏 Adult Planning Size: Approximately 10–12 inches
• 🏠 Recommended Aquarium – Single Adult: Approximately 90 gallons or larger
• 🏠 Recommended Aquarium – Pair: Approximately 125+ gallons
• 📐 Aquarium Length: Approximately 4–5 feet or longer
• 🌡️ Temperature: Approximately 76–82°F
• 💧 pH: Approximately 6.5–8.0
• 💦 Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
• 💨 Oxygenation: Good to High
• 🍽️ Diet: Carnivorous-Leaning Omnivore / Opportunistic Predator
• 🦐 Animal Foods: Important
• 🐟 Small Fish: May Be Eaten
• 🌿 Plant Foods: Minor / Supplemental
• 😠 Temperament: Territorial / Semi-Aggressive
• ⚠️ Male-to-Male Aggression: Can Be Severe
• 💕 Pair Bond: Strong Once Compatible Pair Forms
• 🥚 Breeding: Substrate / Hollow Spawner
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Parental Care: Biparental
• 🌙 Activity: Often Crepuscular – Active Around Dawn and Dusk
• ⭐ Care Level: Intermediate
• 🚨 IUCN Status: Vulnerable
• 🌎 CITES: Not currently listed by FishBase

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🧬 Accepted Scientific Name

The currently accepted scientific name is:

Paratilapia polleni

The species was described by:

Pieter Bleeker in 1868

and remains recognized as a valid species.

Older scientific names associated with this fish include:

• Paratilapia typus
• Paracara typus
• Paratilapia bleekeri

Current FishBase taxonomy treats these names as synonyms of:

Paratilapia polleni

For this product, use:

Polleni Cichlid / Starry Night Cichlid – (Paratilapia polleni)

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⚠️ Important “Large Spot” vs. “Small Spot” Taxonomy Note

The aquarium history of Paratilapia is complicated.

You may see fish advertised as:

• Polleni
• Small Spot Polleni
• Large Spot Polleni
• Bleekeri
• Andapa
• East Coast Small Spot
• Other locality forms

Aquarium specialists have long recognized several geographically distinct Paratilapia forms from Madagascar.

Some may eventually prove to represent:

DIFFERENT SPECIES

even though modern formal taxonomy currently recognizes Paratilapia polleni and treats several older names as synonyms.

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⚠️ Do Not Identify Fish Solely by Spot Size

A fish should not automatically be called:

Paratilapia bleekeri

simply because it has large spots.

Likewise, small spots alone do not prove a particular locality.

Spot size can vary according to:

• Genetics
• Age
• Geographic lineage
• Condition
• Aquarium strain
• Potential mixed ancestry

Without documented locality or breeder lineage:

USE PARATILAPIA POLLENI

rather than inventing a more specific identification.

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🧬 Preserve Locality When Known

If a specimen comes with reliable locality information, preserve it.

For conservation-oriented breeding, information such as:

• Collection locality
• Original breeder
• Parent lineage
• Large-spot or small-spot line
• Generation

can be extremely valuable.

Avoid deliberately mixing geographically different Paratilapia populations if the goal is to preserve pure lines.

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🌌 Appearance

The Starry Night Cichlid is famous for its:

VELVETY DARK BODY

covered with brilliant iridescent spots.

The base body coloration may range from:

• Deep black
• Charcoal
• Dark brown
• Greenish black
• Blue-black

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✨ Star-Like Spots

The spots may appear:

• Bright white
• Silver
• Pale blue
• Turquoise
• Green-blue

and commonly extend across:

• Head
• Gill covers
• Body
• Dorsal fin
• Anal fin
• Caudal fin
• Pelvic fins

Under aquarium lighting, the contrast can be dramatic.

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🔄 Color Can Change Quickly

Paratilapia can alter their appearance considerably.

A relaxed fish may appear:

• Very dark
• Deep brown-black
• Heavily spotted

while a stressed specimen may become:

• Pale
• Gray-brown
• Beige
• Less contrasting

This is normal physiological color change.

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⚠️ Exact Spot Pattern Cannot Be Guaranteed

Every specimen can differ in:

• Spot size
• Spot density
• Spot color
• Body darkness
• Fin pattern
• Adult coloration

Appearance can also change with:

• Age
• Mood
• Stress
• Lighting
• Aquarium background
• Diet
• Social status

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🌎 Madagascar Endemic

Paratilapia polleni is:

ENDEMIC TO MADAGASCAR

meaning its natural populations occur nowhere else on Earth.

Madagascar has an exceptionally distinctive freshwater fish fauna because of its long geographic isolation.

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🌊 Natural Distribution

Paratilapia polleni has been recorded from numerous freshwater systems across Madagascar.

Scientific records include populations from:

• Rivers
• Streams
• Lakes
• Tributaries
• Wetland-associated waters

FishBase records the species from locations including:

• Nosivolo tributary system
• Marolambo region
• Manantenina River

The species historically had a relatively broad Malagasy distribution compared with many other endemic Madagascar cichlids.

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🌿 Adaptable Natural Habitat

Starry Night Cichlids can occupy a range of freshwater habitats.

Their natural environments may contain:

• Rock
• Submerged branches
• Roots
• Vegetation
• Open water
• Sheltered margins
• Submerged cavities

Aquarium décor should provide:

STRUCTURE + OPEN SWIMMING SPACE

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📏 Adult Size

FishBase documents a maximum size of approximately:

28 CM TOTAL LENGTH

or approximately:

11 INCHES

For responsible aquarium planning:

EXPECT APPROXIMATELY 10–12 INCHES

for a mature adult.

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⚠️ Some Aquarium Paratilapia Grow Larger

Some Paratilapia forms in the aquarium hobby have been reported at:

12+ INCHES

and occasionally larger.

However, because several geographically distinct forms are sold under the general Polleni name, those exceptionally large measurements should not automatically be assigned to confirmed P. polleni.

For this product:

10–12 INCHES

is the safer planning range.

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🏠 Aquarium Size

For one mature adult:

90 GALLONS OR LARGER

is a good permanent recommendation.

For a compatible adult pair:

125 GALLONS OR LARGER

is preferred.

Larger aquariums provide more flexibility when keeping:

• Tankmates
• Breeding pairs
• Large males
• Territorial adults

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📐 Aquarium Footprint

A Starry Night Cichlid benefits more from:

LENGTH + WIDTH

than excessive height.

Provide approximately:

4–5 FEET OR MORE OF AQUARIUM LENGTH

for mature fish.

A pair benefits greatly from additional floor space.

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🪨 Aquarium Setup

A suitable aquarium can include:

• Large rocks
• Driftwood
• Large caves
• Slate
• Smooth substrate
• Sand
• Hardy plants
• Open swimming space
• Shaded areas

Create several areas where the fish can:

• Retreat
• Establish territory
• Break visual contact with tankmates

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🌿 Plants

Unlike highly destructive herbivorous cichlids, Paratilapia generally do not intentionally consume large amounts of aquarium plants.

Plants can therefore be used.

However:

BREEDING FISH MAY DIG OR UPROOT THEM

while preparing spawning areas.

Hardy plants attached securely to:

• Wood
• Rocks

are usually easier to maintain.

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🪵 Driftwood

Driftwood provides:

• Shelter
• Shade
• Territorial boundaries
• Natural appearance

Large pieces can help create:

VISUAL BARRIERS

which are useful with territorial cichlids.

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🌡️ Temperature

FishBase gives a tropical temperature range of approximately:

75–82°F / 24–28°C

For aquarium maintenance, a practical target is:

76–82°F

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⚠️ Avoid Chronic Cold Conditions

Madagascar Paratilapia in the aquarium hobby are generally maintained warm.

A good target around:

78–80°F

works well for most established fish.

Avoid unnecessary rapid temperature changes.

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💧 pH

A practical aquarium range is:

6.5–8.0

The species is more adaptable than many specialized soft-water fishes.

The most important factor is:

STABILITY

rather than constantly trying to adjust the aquarium to an exact number.

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💦 Hardness

Soft to moderately hard freshwater is appropriate.

Avoid sudden changes in:

• pH
• Conductivity
• Hardness
• Temperature

especially with newly introduced fish.

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💨 Oxygenation

Provide:

GOOD TO HIGH OXYGENATION

using:

• Strong surface agitation
• Air stones
• Canister-filter returns
• Sump returns
• Supplemental circulation

Large cichlids also produce significant amounts of waste, making strong filtration important.

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💩 Filtration

A mature Polleni Cichlid requires strong:

• Biological filtration
• Mechanical filtration

Suitable systems may include:

• Large canister filters
• Sump filtration
• Large hang-on-back systems
• Supplemental sponge filtration

Maintain:

AMMONIA = 0

and:

NITRITE = 0

at all times.

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🔄 Water Changes

Regular partial water changes are essential.

Frequency depends on:

• Aquarium volume
• Fish size
• Number of fish
• Feeding
• Filtration
• Nitrate production

Large protein-fed cichlids can produce significant organic waste.

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🍽️ Diet – Carnivorous-Leaning Omnivore

The Starry Night Cichlid is best considered a:

CARNIVOROUS-LEANING OMNIVORE / OPPORTUNISTIC PREDATOR

Natural Paratilapia consume:

• Small fish
• Aquatic invertebrates
• Insects
• Other available animal prey

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🐟 Opportunistic Piscivore

Small fish that fit into the mouth may be:

EATEN

especially during:

• Dawn
• Dusk
• Low-light periods

A Polleni can remain relatively motionless while watching prey before lunging quickly.

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🦐 Recommended Foods

Suitable aquarium foods include:

• High-quality cichlid pellets
• Insect-based pellets
• Mysis shrimp
• Krill
• Brine shrimp
• Chopped shrimp
• Earthworms
• Appropriate frozen fish-based foods
• Quality carnivore or omnivore pellets

---

🚫 Live Feeder Fish Are Not Necessary

There is no need to feed live feeder fish.

Feeder fish can introduce:

• Parasites
• Bacteria
• Disease

and may provide poor nutrition.

A varied diet of:

QUALITY PREPARED + FROZEN FOODS

is safer.

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🌿 Plant Foods

Some individuals may consume foods containing vegetable ingredients.

However:

PLANT MATTER SHOULD NOT BE THE FOUNDATION OF THE DIET

This is not an algae-grazing or strongly herbivorous cichlid.

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⚖️ Avoid an Extremely Fatty Diet

Do not feed excessive amounts of:

• Mammalian meat
• Fatty foods
• Low-quality feeder fish

Use appropriately formulated aquatic foods instead.

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🌙 Crepuscular Behavior

Paratilapia often become especially active around:

DAWN AND DUSK

This is known as:

CREPUSCULAR BEHAVIOR

Their large eyes are well suited to hunting and navigating under lower light levels.

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👀 Large Eyes

The Starry Night Cichlid's large eyes contribute to its distinctive appearance.

They also make biological sense for a fish that commonly feeds during:

• Dawn
• Dusk
• Shaded conditions

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😠 Temperament

The Polleni is a:

TERRITORIAL CICHLID

but its aggression differs considerably between individuals.

Many adults can be relatively calm toward unrelated large fish while being extremely intolerant of:

• Other Paratilapia
• Rival males
• Fish entering breeding territory

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⚠️ Male-to-Male Aggression

Two mature males can become:

VERY AGGRESSIVE TOWARD ONE ANOTHER

Keeping multiple adult males together is not recommended unless the aquarium is exceptionally large and the keeper is prepared to separate them immediately.

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💕 Compatible Pairs

Once a compatible male and female form a pair, they can develop a:

STRONG PAIR BOND

Pairs may remain close together and cooperate in:

• Territory defense
• Spawning
• Egg care
• Fry protection

---

⚠️ Do Not Force a Pair

Putting one random male and one random female together does not guarantee compatibility.

A rejected fish can be:

• Chased
• Cornered
• Injured

The safest breeding method is often to raise several juveniles together, allow a natural pair to form, and then:

REMOVE THE REMAINING FISH

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🐠 Tankmates

Possible tankmates should be:

• Too large to swallow
• Robust
• Not excessively aggressive
• Able to tolerate similar water conditions

Potential examples include appropriately selected:

• Larger cichlids
• Large barbs
• Large rainbowfish
• Large catfish
• Other robust freshwater fish

Compatibility always depends on:

INDIVIDUAL TEMPERAMENT + AQUARIUM SIZE

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🚫 Avoid Small Tankmates

Small fish may eventually become:

FOOD

Even if a juvenile Polleni ignores them initially.

Always plan tankmates based on:

ADULT MOUTH SIZE

rather than juvenile behavior.

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♂️ Male vs. Female

Sexing becomes easier as the fish matures.

Mature Males

Generally:

• Grow larger
• Develop longer, more pointed fins
• Can develop a pronounced nuchal hump
• May become more territorial
• Have a longer, more pointed genital papilla

Mature Females

Generally:

• Remain somewhat smaller
• May show particularly intense spotting
• Develop a shorter, broader genital papilla when mature

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🌌 Females Can Be Extremely Colorful

Unlike some cichlids where males are always the more colorful sex:

FEMALE PARATILAPIA CAN BE EXCEPTIONALLY BEAUTIFUL

Some females retain very dense:

• Blue
• Green
• White

spotting while mature males may become darker and less heavily patterned.

Individual variation is substantial.

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🧠 Mature Male Nuchal Hump

Older dominant males may develop a:

NUCHAL HUMP

on the forehead.

This can become especially noticeable on mature breeding males.

Its size varies between individuals.

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🥚 Fascinating Reproductive Biology

Breeding Paratilapia is particularly interesting because its eggs differ from those of most familiar cichlids.

The fish are:

BENTHIC / SUBSTRATE-ASSOCIATED SPAWNERS

with:

BIPARENTAL CARE

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🪨 Spawning Site

A compatible pair may choose:

• Rock
• Slate
• Driftwood
• Substrate depression
• Hollow
• Sheltered cavity

as the breeding location.

A partially enclosed area is especially useful because of the unusual egg structure.

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🥚 Unusual Egg Mass

Scientific research has shown that Paratilapia polleni eggs:

ATTACH TO ONE ANOTHER

through specialized filament tufts.

The individual eggs are not strongly glued to the substrate in the way many other cichlid eggs are.

Instead:

THE EGGS FORM A COHESIVE, MOVABLE CLUSTER

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🍇 Grape-Like Cluster

Aquarists often describe the resulting egg mass as resembling:

A BUNCH OF GRAPES

The egg filaments become intertwined, holding the eggs together.

This is an unusual reproductive adaptation among cichlids.

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👨‍👩‍👧 Biparental Care

Both parents can participate in:

• Guarding the eggs
• Defending the spawning area
• Moving or manipulating the egg mass
• Protecting fry

Parental care may vary between individual pairs.

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⚠️ Breeding Aggression

During spawning:

TERRITORIAL AGGRESSION CAN INCREASE DRAMATICALLY

Other aquarium inhabitants may be attacked.

For established breeding pairs, a:

SPECIES-ONLY BREEDING AQUARIUM

is often safest.

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🥚 Clutch Size

Aquarium reports commonly describe:

SEVERAL HUNDRED EGGS

under good conditions.

Rather than guaranteeing an exact number, clutch size should be understood to vary with:

• Female size
• Age
• Conditioning
• Genetics
• Environmental conditions

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🐣 Hatching

At warm aquarium temperatures, eggs typically develop and hatch within:

A FEW DAYS

Exact timing varies with:

• Temperature
• Oxygenation
• Water conditions

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👶 Fry

After becoming free swimming, fry can receive:

• Newly hatched brine shrimp
• Fine commercial fry food
• Small zooplankton-type foods
• Fine high-quality prepared foods

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⚠️ Fry Can Become Cannibalistic

Young Paratilapia do not always grow at the same rate.

Larger fry may prey upon:

SMALLER SIBLINGS

As they grow, separating fry by:

SIZE

can greatly improve survival.

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🧬 Conservation Breeding

Because Paratilapia polleni is classified as:

VULNERABLE

responsible captive breeding can be valuable.

Breeders should preserve:

• Accurate species identification
• Locality when known
• Parentage
• Breeder records

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🚨 Conservation Status – Vulnerable

The current IUCN Red List classification is:

VULNERABLE – VU

The assessment cited by FishBase was completed in:

2016

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⚠️ Why Is Paratilapia polleni Vulnerable?

Major threats to Madagascar's native freshwater fish include:

• Habitat degradation
• Deforestation
• Alteration of river catchments
• Water diversion
• Loss of suitable freshwater habitat
• Introduced non-native fish

These pressures have caused continued decline and fragmentation of native fish habitats.

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🐟 Introduced Species

Introduced fish have created additional pressure on Madagascar's endemic freshwater species through:

• Competition
• Predation
• Habitat displacement

This makes Madagascar's native cichlid fauna especially important from a conservation perspective.

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⚠️ Vulnerable Does Not Mean CITES Listed

The IUCN category:

VULNERABLE

is a conservation assessment.

It does not automatically mean the species is:

• CITES Appendix I
• CITES Appendix II
• Illegal to own
• Illegal to sell domestically

FishBase currently does not list P. polleni under CITES.

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🌱 Responsible Captive Propagation

Responsible captive breeding can:

• Reduce pressure on wild populations
• Maintain aquarium populations
• Preserve genetic lines
• Improve husbandry knowledge
• Increase awareness of Madagascar's threatened freshwater fauna

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🧬 Avoid Mixing Uncertain Paratilapia Lines

Because multiple geographic Paratilapia forms exist in the aquarium hobby:

DO NOT DELIBERATELY MIX DIFFERENT LINES FOR BREEDING

unless hybrid offspring are clearly identified as such.

This is particularly important with fish sold as:

• Large Spot
• Small Spot
• Andapa
• Fianarantsoa
• Bleekeri
• Unidentified Polleni-type forms

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⚠️ Lineage Matters

A fish without known locality can still make an excellent aquarium animal.

However, for conservation breeding:

UNKNOWN LINEAGE SHOULD BE RECORDED AS UNKNOWN

rather than inventing a locality based on spot size or appearance.

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⭐ Why Keep a Polleni / Starry Night Cichlid?

The Polleni Cichlid combines:

• 🌌 Incredible star-like coloration
• ⚫ Deep velvet-black body
• ✨ Blue, white and green iridescent spotting
• 🇲🇬 Madagascar endemic heritage
• 📏 Impressive approximately 10–12 inch adult size
• 👀 Large expressive eyes
• 🌙 Crepuscular hunting behavior
• 🧠 Intelligent cichlid personality
• 💕 Strong pair bonding
• 🥚 Extremely unusual filamented egg masses
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Biparental care
• 🚨 Vulnerable conservation status

into one of Madagascar's most distinctive aquarium cichlids.

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⚠️ Important Considerations

Before purchasing a Polleni / Starry Night Cichlid:

• The accepted scientific name is Paratilapia polleni.
• The species was described in 1868.
• It is endemic to Madagascar.
• Current formal taxonomy treats Paratilapia bleekeri as a synonym.
• Aquarium large-spot and small-spot forms remain taxonomically complicated.
• Do not assign a geographic form solely by spot size.
• Preserve locality information when known.
• Do not intentionally mix distinct Paratilapia breeding lines.
• FishBase documents approximately 28 cm / 11 inches maximum total length.
• Plan for approximately 10–12 inches.
• Provide approximately 90 gallons or larger for one mature adult.
• Provide approximately 125+ gallons for a compatible pair.
• Larger is preferred when tankmates are present.
• Maintain approximately 76–82°F.
• Maintain approximately pH 6.5–8.0.
• Maintain good to high oxygenation.
• Use strong mechanical and biological filtration.
• Feed a carnivorous-leaning omnivorous diet.
• Quality pellets, shrimp, krill, insects, and appropriate frozen foods are excellent choices.
• Live feeder fish are unnecessary.
• Small tankmates may be eaten.
• Adult males can be strongly territorial toward one another.
• Do not assume any random male and female will form a compatible pair.
• Breeding pairs provide parental care.
• The eggs have unusual filament structures and attach to one another rather than being firmly glued individually to the substrate.
• Fry may become cannibalistic as size differences develop.
• The species is currently classified as Vulnerable.
• Vulnerable status does not automatically mean CITES-listed.
• Responsible captive propagation is valuable.
• Never release aquarium fish into natural waterways.

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🧬 Taxonomy

The currently accepted scientific name is:

Paratilapia polleni Bleeker, 1868

Classification:

• Order: Cichliformes
• Family: Cichlidae
• Subfamily: Ptychochrominae
• Genus: Paratilapia
• Species: polleni

Current synonyms include:

• Paracara typus
• Paratilapia typus
• Paratilapia bleekeri

For this product, use:

Polleni Cichlid / Starry Night Cichlid – (Paratilapia polleni)

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🌎 Madagascar Lineage Disclaimer

Several geographically distinct Paratilapia forms have circulated through the aquarium hobby under overlapping names.

Spot size alone is not sufficient to determine locality or taxonomic identity.

When known, preserve:

• Collection locality
• Breeder source
• Parentage
• Aquarium strain information

Do not represent fish of uncertain lineage as a specific Madagascar locality without documentation.

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🚨 Vulnerable Species Disclaimer

Paratilapia polleni is currently classified as:

VULNERABLE

on the IUCN Red List.

Responsible aquarium care and captive breeding are especially important for Madagascar's endemic freshwater fishes.

The IUCN conservation category is separate from legal trade classifications and does not automatically mean the species is prohibited from aquarium ownership.

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🚚 Live Fish Shipping

Live fish are professionally packed for safe transport.

Shipping availability depends on:

• Fish size
• Destination
• Weather conditions
• Carrier availability
• Applicable state and local regulations

Larger Starry Night Cichlids may require:

• Larger insulated shipping boxes
• Additional water
• Heavy-duty shipping bags
• Multiple protective bag layers
• Specialized packing
• Airline cargo shipping depending on fish size and destination

Please review our Shipping & Payment Information and Live Arrival Guarantee / DOA Policy before ordering.

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⚠️ Buyer Responsibility

Customers are responsible for confirming that Paratilapia polleni may legally be purchased, possessed, transported, and received in their state or local jurisdiction before ordering.

Never release aquarium fish into natural waterways.