Starry Night Cichlid (6”)

Species Overview

• Scientific Name: Paratilapia polleni

• Common Names: Starry Night Cichlid, Polleni Cichlid, Black Diamond Cichlid

• Family: Cichlidae

• Origin: Madagascar

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive to aggressive (especially during breeding)

• Lifespan: 8–12 years

Habitat

• Natural Environment:
  Native to slow-moving rivers, lakes, and swamps in Madagascar with plenty of submerged roots, rocks, and vegetation.

• Water Conditions:

  • Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)

  • pH: 6.5-8

Diet

• Carnivorous/omnivorous:
  In the wild, they eat:

  • Insects

  • Worms

  • Small fish

  • Crustaceans

• In Captivity:
  Offer a varied diet of:

  • High-quality cichlid pellets or sticks (protein-rich)

  • Frozen/live foods: bloodworms, krill, brine shrimp, blackworms

  • Occasional treats: shrimp, chopped fish, or earthworms

  • Can accept spirulina pellets or vegetable matter for dietary fiber (especially in mixed community tanks)

Maximum Size

• Adult Size:

  • Males: 10–12 inches (25–30 cm)

  • Females: 6–8 inches (15–20 cm)

  • Males develop a nuchal hump and are usually more robust

 Recommended Aquarium Size

• Recommended Tank Size:

  • 75-125 gallons for a single adult for pairs or with tank mates

  • 30-50% Weekly/Biweekly waterchanges

• Tank Setup:

  • Substrate: Sand or fine gravel

  • Decor:

    • Caves, rocks, and driftwood for territories

    • Plenty of hiding spaces

    • Leave open swimming areas

  • Plants: Hardy rooted or floating plants (but may be uprooted during breeding)

  • Filtration: Strong biological and mechanical filtration

  • Water Movement: Moderate; oxygenation is important

 Tank Mates

• • Large peaceful to semi-aggressive cichlids (e.g., Severums, Uarus, Geophagus)

  • Robust bottom dwellers like Sailfin Plecos

  • Fast-moving, similarly sized fish

• Avoid:

  • Small, timid fish (may be eaten)

  • Highly aggressive cichlids (e.g., Midas, Red Devil, Flowerhorns)

  • More than one male in confined spaces

Pairs become highly territorial during breeding and may kill tank mates if space is insufficient.

 Notes on Behavior and Care

• Smart and curious—can recognize their owners

• Males can be territorial, especially when breeding

• Best kept as single specimens or bonded pairs unless housed in large, structured tanks

• Known to rearrange tank decor during spawning

• Color intensity improves with good diet and dark substrate/background

• Sexing: Males grow larger, with longer fins and more intense coloration; females are rounder and smaller