Edit Paratilapia polleni
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Name
Scientific name
Paratilapia polleni
Described by
Not recorded
Family
Cichlidae
Common names
Not recorded
Photograph credits
All 2 credited
Summary
Paratilapia polleni is a large cichlid endemic to Madagascar, widespread on the island and known to many natives as 'marakely', meaning 'bl…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
280mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 120 cm, Minimum depth 45 cm, Minimum height 38 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 17–28°C, pH 6.5–8
Hardness
8–25dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Peaceful
Social needs
Not recorded
Community suitability
Not recorded
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Madagascar
Writing
Etymology
Not written yet
Distribution
Endemic to the island of Madagascar. It has a widespread distribution on the island.
Habitat
In nature P. polleni proves itself to be one of the most adaptable cichlids known. It is has been recorded at altitudes of up to 1500m where the water temperat…
Aquarium size
120 ∗ 45 ∗ 38 cm - ~205 litres is suitable for a single compatible pair.
Maintenance
The aquarium should contain plenty of hiding places. Clay pots, roots and pieces of driftwood can all be used. Plants are not essential but the fish will appre…
Water conditions
Temperature: 17 – 28 °C. Aim for 72-80°F in the aquarium. pH: 6.5-8.0 Hardness: 8-25°H
Diet
It is a piscivore in nature but there is no need to feed live fish in aquaria, as it accepts dead foods readily. The majority of live and frozen foods are acce…
Behaviour and compatibility
Relatively peaceful with heterospecifics, although it is robust enough to hold its own in territorial disputes. It becomes far more aggressive when breeding bu…
Sexual dimorphism
Adult male fish are much larger than females and develop longer extensions on the dorsal and anal fins. They also tend to have a more rounded head shape.
Reproduction
Possible but infrequent in aquaria. Bi-parental substrate spawner. We suggest the purchase of a group of young fish and allowing these to pair off naturally. T…
Notes
Now the only species in the genus Paratilapia, P. polleni is known as the "marakely" to many natives in Madagascar, which means "black fish". As with most Mada…
References
References
No references