✨ Starry Night Cichlid Care Guide (Paratilapia polleni)
🌟 Overview The Starry Night Cichlid (Paratilapia polleni), native to Madagascar, is a striking freshwater fish known for its deep black body covered with shimmering star-like white or blue spots. This unique coloration makes it one of the most visually stunning cichlids available. Also called the Polleni Cichlid, it’s a hardy species but requires a large aquarium due to its size and territorial nature.
🔑 Quick Facts
- Scientific Name: Paratilapia polleni
- Common Names: Starry Night Cichlid, Polleni Cichlid
- Origin: Madagascar
- Size: 10–12 inches (25–30 cm)
- Lifespan: 10–15 years
- Temperament: Aggressive, territorial
- Care Level: Moderate to Advanced
🏠 Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons for a single, 125+ gallons for pairs
- Water Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
- pH: 6.5–7.5
- Hardness: 6–15 dGH
- Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
- Aquascape: Provide rocks, driftwood, and caves for hiding and territory
- Filtration: Strong, as they produce heavy bioload
🍽️ Diet
Starry Night Cichlids are omnivores with a carnivorous preference:
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High-quality cichlid pellets (protein-rich)
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Frozen/live foods: shrimp, bloodworms, krill, silversides
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Occasional vegetables (spirulina flakes, blanched spinach) for balance
🧑🤝🧑 Tank Mates
- Best with other large, robust cichlids: oscars, jack dempseys, green terrors, vieja
- Compatible with large catfish and plecos
- Avoid small fish and invertebrates — they will be eaten
- Territorial, especially during breeding, so provide lots of space
🧠 Behavior & Tips
- Known for their dazzling star-like pattern that intensifies with age and good care
- Territorial and aggressive, especially in pairs
- Males grow larger and show brighter spotting than females
- Require excellent water quality and strong filtration
❓ FAQ
Q: How big do Starry Night Cichlids get?
A: Adults typically grow 10–12 inches, requiring large aquariums.
Q: Are Starry Night Cichlids aggressive?
A: Yes, they are territorial and should be kept with other large, robust fish.
Q: Can they live in a community tank?
A: Only in very large tanks with equally sized aggressive species.
Q: How long do they live?
A: With proper care, they can live 10–15 years.
