Starry Night Cichlid

4.5" + Paratilapia polleni, or the Starry Night Cichlid, is a large, striking cichlid from Madagascar known for its black body with iridescent blue, gold, or white spots, resembling a starry night sky. It's a popular but demanding aquarium fish, requiring a large tank (125+ gallons for pairs), strong filtration, and a varied diet of protein-rich foods like pellets, shrimp, and bloodworms. Males grow larger and can develop a nuchal hump, while females are often smaller but can have more beautiful patterns; they are territorial and can be aggressive, especially during breeding. 

Appearance & Size

Color: Deep black body with shimmering spots that can be blue, gold, or white. 

Size: Males can reach up to 12 inches (30 cm); females are typically smaller. 

Variations: Different spot patterns exist, such as the "large spot" (bleekeri) and "small spot" variants. 

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Origin: Rivers and streams in Madagascar. 

Tank Size: Minimum 75 gallons for a single fish, 125+ gallons for pairs or groups. 

Setup: Needs large structures like rocks, driftwood, and caves for territory; use sand or fine gravel substrate. 

Water: Temperature 75–82°F (24–28°C), pH 6.5–7.5. 

Filtration: Strong filtration is essential due to their heavy bioload. 

Diet

Type: Carnivorous/omnivorous; readily accepts a variety of foods.

Foods: High-quality cichlid pellets, frozen/live foods (shrimp, krill, bloodworms), and occasional vegetables.

Avoid: Animal meat. 

Temperament & Care

Temperament: Territorial and aggressive; best kept in large tanks to allow space, or with similar-sized, robust tank mates. 

Care Level: Moderate to Advanced. 

Breeding: Can be difficult; males can be aggressive towards females, and they may eat their own eggs. 

* Pictures are examples of previous purchases *