Paratilapia

Paratilapia polleni is a large cichlid endemic to Madagascar, widespread on the island and known to many natives as 'marakely', meaning 'black fish'. Like most Madagascan cichlids it is highly endangered in the wild through habitat destruction and competition from introduced species. Large- and small-spotted forms exist whose identity is unconfirmed, and they should never be mixed in aquaria since they hybridise freely.