Madagascar Cichlid Paratilapia polleni Starry Night – 2 Fish Male + Female 3-5cm

Illuminate your aquarium with the mesmerizing Starry Night cichlid from Madagascar. These rare Paratilapia polleni sport jet-black bodies littered with iridescent white spots, evoking a celestial sky. Known for their curious personalities and moderate hardiness, this bonded male–female duo will become the crown jewels of any species or carefully curated community tank.

Key Features:

• Species: Paratilapia polleni “Starry Night”

• Pair Composition: One male and one female, visually matched

• Size on Arrival: 3–5 cm each

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive; establish territories but coexist with robust, non-nippy tankmates

• Water Parameters:

  • Volume: ≥ 120 L

  • Temperature: 24–28 °C

  • pH: 7.0–8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)

  • Hardness: 8–20 °dGH

• Diet: Omnivorous—thrive on high-quality pellets, flakes, frozen and live foods

• Origin: Freshwater lakes and rivers of Madagascar

Care & Setup Tips:

• Provide rocky caves, slate plates, and driftwood to define territories and offer hiding spots.

• Use a sandy or fine-gravel substrate to protect delicate gill covers and barbels.

• Maintain moderate to strong filtration and regular 25% weekly water changes to sustain pristine water quality.

• Feed a varied diet 2–3× daily, including protein-rich foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp) to enhance coloration.

• Monitor behavior during feeding and introduce tankmates (e.g., large tetras, plecos) that can stand their ground.