Starry Night Cichlid-2-3"
The Starry Night Cichlid, scientifically known as Paratilapia polleni, is a large and striking freshwater cichlid native to Madagascar. Often referred to as the Black Diamond Cichlid due to its dark body covered in iridescent, spotted patterns, this species is highly sought after for its beauty, intelligence, and unique behaviors.
Physically, the Starry Night Cichlid has a deep, laterally compressed body with a dark, almost black base coloration speckled with shimmering, golden to blue-green spots across its body and fins. The intensity of the spotting varies depending on age, mood, and environmental conditions. Males tend to be larger and more vibrantly colored, while females are smaller and often duller. This species can grow up to 12 to 14 inches (30 to 35 centimeters) in captivity, requiring a large and well-maintained aquarium.
In the aquarium, Starry Night Cichlids require a spacious tank of at least 75 to 100 gallons for a single adult, with a larger tank needed for pairs or groups. They thrive in environments that mimic their natural river habitats, featuring fine sand or smooth gravel substrate, driftwood, caves, and plenty of hiding spots to reduce aggression and provide territories. They appreciate moderate to strong filtration and regular water changes, as they produce a significant bioload.
Water parameters should be stable, with a temperature range of 75 to 82°F (24 to 28°C), a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, and moderate water hardness. While they are adaptable, maintaining clean, well-oxygenated water is essential for their health.
Feeding the Starry Night Cichlid is relatively easy, as they are omnivorous with a preference for protein-rich foods. Their diet should include high-quality cichlid pellets, live or frozen foods such as shrimp, earthworms, crickets, bloodworms, and occasional plant matter. They may also accept blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach. A varied diet helps maintain their coloration and overall health.
Starry Night Cichlids are territorial and semi-aggressive, especially during breeding or if kept in confined spaces. They are best kept alone, in pairs, or with other large, robust cichlids that can hold their own. Suitable tank mates include large South American or African cichlids, bichirs, or similarly sized fish. However, they should not be housed with small or overly passive fish, as they may see them as prey.
Breeding the Starry Night Cichlid in captivity is possible but requires a large tank and a bonded pair. They are substrate spawners, with the female laying eggs on flat surfaces like rocks or caves. The male guards the territory aggressively, while the female tends to the eggs. After 3 to 5 days, the eggs hatch, and the fry become free-swimming within a week. They can be fed infusoria, baby brine shrimp, or finely crushed flake food. Removing the fry to a separate grow-out tank can improve survival rates.
Overall, the Starry Night Cichlid is a stunning and rewarding species for experienced aquarists with the space and knowledge to meet their care requirements. Their intelligence, territorial nature, and dazzling coloration make them a standout species in larger aquariums dedicated to robust cichlids.
The Starry Night Cichlid, scientifically known as Paratilapia polleni, is a large and striking freshwater cichlid native to Madagascar. Often referred to as the Black Diamond Cichlid due to its dark body covered in iridescent, spotted patterns, this species is highly sought after for its beauty, intelligence, and unique behaviors.
Physically, the Starry Night Cichlid has a deep, laterally compressed body with a dark, almost black base coloration speckled with shimmering, golden to blue-green spots across its body and fins. The intensity of the spotting varies depending on age, mood, and environmental conditions. Males tend to be larger and more vibrantly colored, while females are smaller and often duller. This species can grow up to 12 to 14 inches (30 to 35 centimeters) in captivity, requiring a large and well-maintained aquarium.
In the aquarium, Starry Night Cichlids require a spacious tank of at least 75 to 100 gallons for a single adult, with a larger tank needed for pairs or groups. They thrive in environments that mimic their natural river habitats, featuring fine sand or smooth gravel substrate, driftwood, caves, and plenty of hiding spots to reduce aggression and provide territories. They appreciate moderate to strong filtration and regular water changes, as they produce a significant bioload.
Water parameters should be stable, with a temperature range of 75 to 82°F (24 to 28°C), a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, and moderate water hardness. While they are adaptable, maintaining clean, well-oxygenated water is essential for their health.
Feeding the Starry Night Cichlid is relatively easy, as they are omnivorous with a preference for protein-rich foods. Their diet should include high-quality cichlid pellets, live or frozen foods such as shrimp, earthworms, crickets, bloodworms, and occasional plant matter. They may also accept blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach. A varied diet helps maintain their coloration and overall health.
Starry Night Cichlids are territorial and semi-aggressive, especially during breeding or if kept in confined spaces. They are best kept alone, in pairs, or with other large, robust cichlids that can hold their own. Suitable tank mates include large South American or African cichlids, bichirs, or similarly sized fish. However, they should not be housed with small or overly passive fish, as they may see them as prey.
Breeding the Starry Night Cichlid in captivity is possible but requires a large tank and a bonded pair. They are substrate spawners, with the female laying eggs on flat surfaces like rocks or caves. The male guards the territory aggressively, while the female tends to the eggs. After 3 to 5 days, the eggs hatch, and the fry become free-swimming within a week. They can be fed infusoria, baby brine shrimp, or finely crushed flake food. Removing the fry to a separate grow-out tank can improve survival rates.
Overall, the Starry Night Cichlid is a stunning and rewarding species for experienced aquarists with the space and knowledge to meet their care requirements. Their intelligence, territorial nature, and dazzling coloration make them a standout species in larger aquariums dedicated to robust cichlids.
The Starry Night Cichlid, scientifically known as Paratilapia polleni, is a large and striking freshwater cichlid native to Madagascar. Often referred to as the Black Diamond Cichlid due to its dark body covered in iridescent, spotted patterns, this species is highly sought after for its beauty, intelligence, and unique behaviors.
Physically, the Starry Night Cichlid has a deep, laterally compressed body with a dark, almost black base coloration speckled with shimmering, golden to blue-green spots across its body and fins. The intensity of the spotting varies depending on age, mood, and environmental conditions. Males tend to be larger and more vibrantly colored, while females are smaller and often duller. This species can grow up to 12 to 14 inches (30 to 35 centimeters) in captivity, requiring a large and well-maintained aquarium.
In the aquarium, Starry Night Cichlids require a spacious tank of at least 75 to 100 gallons for a single adult, with a larger tank needed for pairs or groups. They thrive in environments that mimic their natural river habitats, featuring fine sand or smooth gravel substrate, driftwood, caves, and plenty of hiding spots to reduce aggression and provide territories. They appreciate moderate to strong filtration and regular water changes, as they produce a significant bioload.
Water parameters should be stable, with a temperature range of 75 to 82°F (24 to 28°C), a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, and moderate water hardness. While they are adaptable, maintaining clean, well-oxygenated water is essential for their health.
Feeding the Starry Night Cichlid is relatively easy, as they are omnivorous with a preference for protein-rich foods. Their diet should include high-quality cichlid pellets, live or frozen foods such as shrimp, earthworms, crickets, bloodworms, and occasional plant matter. They may also accept blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach. A varied diet helps maintain their coloration and overall health.
Starry Night Cichlids are territorial and semi-aggressive, especially during breeding or if kept in confined spaces. They are best kept alone, in pairs, or with other large, robust cichlids that can hold their own. Suitable tank mates include large South American or African cichlids, bichirs, or similarly sized fish. However, they should not be housed with small or overly passive fish, as they may see them as prey.
Breeding the Starry Night Cichlid in captivity is possible but requires a large tank and a bonded pair. They are substrate spawners, with the female laying eggs on flat surfaces like rocks or caves. The male guards the territory aggressively, while the female tends to the eggs. After 3 to 5 days, the eggs hatch, and the fry become free-swimming within a week. They can be fed infusoria, baby brine shrimp, or finely crushed flake food. Removing the fry to a separate grow-out tank can improve survival rates.
Overall, the Starry Night Cichlid is a stunning and rewarding species for experienced aquarists with the space and knowledge to meet their care requirements. Their intelligence, territorial nature, and dazzling coloration make them a standout species in larger aquariums dedicated to robust cichlids.
