{"product_id":"starry-night-cichlid-copy","title":"Starry Night Cichlid","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e* EXACT FISH IN PICTURES *\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e5.5\" BIG SPOT STARRY NIGHT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eParatilapia polleni, or the Starry Night Cichlid\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColor: Deep black body with shimmering spots that can be blue, gold, or white. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize: Males can reach up to 12 inches (30 cm); females are typically smaller. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVariations: Different spot patterns exist, such as the \"large spot\" (bleekeri) and \"small spot\" variants. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHabitat \u0026amp; Tank Requirements\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrigin: Rivers and streams in Madagascar. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTank Size: Minimum 75 gallons for a single fish, 125+ gallons for pairs or groups. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSetup: Needs large structures like rocks, driftwood, and caves for territory; use sand or fine gravel substrate. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater: Temperature 75–82°F (24–28°C), pH 6.5–7.5. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFiltration: Strong filtration is essential due to their heavy bioload. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eType: Carnivorous\/omnivorous; readily accepts a variety of foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFoods: High-quality cichlid pellets, frozen\/live foods (shrimp, krill, bloodworms), and occasional vegetables.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid: Animal meat. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament \u0026amp; Care\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemperament: Territorial and aggressive; best kept in large tanks to allow space, or with similar-sized, robust tank mates. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCare Level: Moderate to Advanced. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBreeding: Can be difficult; males can be aggressive towards females, and they may eat their own eggs. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e* Pictures are examples of previous purchases *\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"J\u0026J Cichlid Addiction","offers":[{"title":"5.5\" Exact Fish","offer_id":52503613735193,"sku":null,"price":80.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0893\/8792\/5785\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_63d6df28-f171-4a4d-b211-12c222c854bd.jpg?v=1781117520","url":"https:\/\/jnjcichlidaddiction.com\/products\/starry-night-cichlid-copy","provider":"J\u0026J Cichlid Addiction","version":"1.0","type":"link"}