Black Diamond Madagascar Cichlid Paratilapia Polleni 5cm

Overview

The Black Diamond Cichlid, also called the Starry Night or Marakely, is a velvet-black Madagascan cichlid sprinkled with iridescent blue-white spots. It is heavy bodied, intelligent and surprisingly adaptable. Endemic to Madagascar and endangered in the wild, it suits experienced keepers with a large tank for a single specimen or pair.

• Adult Size: Around 25–28 cm (10–11 in); females smaller
• Lifespan: 10–15 years

Origin

• Native to: Madagascar, widespread across the island
• Habitat: Rivers, lakes and swamps from cool highlands to lowlands

Feeding

• Diet: Carnivorous, piscivore in the wild
• Preferred Foods: Cichlid pellets, prawns, mussel, krill, earthworms, whitebait
• Feeding Habits: Feed once daily; avoid mammal meat and feeder fish

Tank Mates

• Best with: Large robust fish: bichirs, big catfish, Central American cichlids, large barbs
• Avoid: Small fish (eaten), conspecifics unless a bonded pair, delicate species

Aggression & Behaviour

• Temperament: Predatory but fairly calm
• Territoriality: Strongly territorial toward its own kind, especially when breeding

Experience Level

• Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
• Challenges: Sensitive to parameter swings; prone to velvet; needs a big tank

Water Parameters

• Water Type: Freshwater, neutral to moderately hard
• Temperature: 22–27°C (72–81°F)
• pH: 6.5–8.0
• Hardness: 8–25 dGH
• Flow: Moderate, well oxygenated
• Tank Size: Minimum 450 litres for an adult pair; larger with tank mates

Final Notes

Juveniles look plain and grey, with the starry pattern developing over months as the fish grows, so patience is rewarded. This is a long-term commitment that needs a large, well-filtered tank with rockwork and caves, plus small, frequent water changes rather than big ones. Males grow much larger with extended fins; pairs are substrate spawners laying strings of sticky eggs. A rare, characterful showpiece.