{"product_id":"pollens-cichlid-paratilapia-polleni-starry-night","title":"Pollen's Cichlid (Paratilapia polleni) – Starry Night","description":"\u003ch2 id=\"tinymce_scroll_sign\"\u003eExplore the Unique Beauty and Care of the Starry Night Cichlid\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eStarry Night Cichlid (Paratilapia polleni)\u003c\/strong\u003e, also called the Polleni Cichlid, is a rare and stunning species from Madagascar. Its deep black body, covered with iridescent white to blue star-like spots, makes it a true showpiece in freshwater aquariums. This listing is for \u003cstrong\u003eunsexed juveniles\u003c\/strong\u003e, perfect for aquarists who want to raise them and watch their colors develop into adulthood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStriking starry night spotted pattern\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRare cichlid native to Madagascar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHardy and adaptable species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSemi-aggressive, best for species or larger cichlid tanks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSold as \u003cstrong\u003eunsexed juveniles, 2-3 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Guide:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 74-82°F\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.5-7.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e Can grow up to 10-12 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivore pellets, frozen\/live foods, vegetables\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-aggressive, territorial when mature\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFAQs:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Are these Starry Night Cichlids male or female?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA: These are \u003cstrong\u003eunsexed juveniles\u003c\/strong\u003e, 2-3 in size. Sexing is more reliable as they mature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: What size tank do they require?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA: A minimum of 75 gallons is recommended due to their adult size and territorial nature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Can they live with other fish?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA: They do best with similarly sized semi-aggressive cichlids in a large aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIntroduction to the Starry Night Cichlid\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Starry Night Cichlid, scientifically known as Paratilapia polleni, is a captivating freshwater fish native to Madagascar. Recognized for its striking black body adorned with iridescent white spots, this species derives its common name from its unique speckled appearance reminiscent of a star-filled night sky. Popular among aquarists, the Starry Night Cichlid offers not only stunning aesthetics but also intriguing behaviors that make it a prized addition to freshwater tanks. Understanding its natural habitat and characteristics helps hobbyists provide the optimal environment for this beautiful species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHabitat and Tank Requirements\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginating from rivers and streams in Madagascar, the Starry Night Cichlid thrives in well-oxygenated water with moderate to strong currents. To replicate its natural habitat, an aquarium setup should maintain a temperature between 74°F to 82°F (23°C to 28°C) with a slightly acidic to neutral pH around 6.5 to 7.5. Providing plenty of rocks, caves, and hiding spots mimics their natural rocky riverbeds and helps reduce stress. Because this fish can grow up to 9 inches, a spacious tank of at least 50 gallons is recommended to allow ample swimming space and territorial behavior management.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFeeding and Behavior\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Starry Night Cichlid is omnivorous, feeding in the wild on a mix of small invertebrates, insects, and plant matter. In captivity, it accepts a varied diet that includes high-quality pellets, frozen or live foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms, and occasional vegetable matter. This species is known for its semi-aggressive temperament, especially during breeding periods. It’s important to select compatible tank mates that can coexist peacefully. Understanding its feeding habits and social behavior ensures the Starry Night Cichlid remains healthy and vibrant within a community aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","offers":[{"title":"1.25–1.5 inch (Juvenile)","offer_id":53828377837781,"sku":null,"price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"2–3 inch (Grow-out Juvenile Unsexed)","offer_id":53828377870549,"sku":null,"price":34.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/4545\/8133\/files\/11_6040857d-321a-4c42-b206-0f88c7a11a60.jpg?v=1756075189","url":"https:\/\/tropicaltreasureswyo.com\/products\/pollens-cichlid-paratilapia-polleni-starry-night","provider":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}