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Freshwater fishPolleni Cichlid
Polleni Cichlid
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These are really big, very cool cichlids from Madagascar. At two to three inches, they show the distinctive solid black body with a starry night pattern. You can teach these fish to feed out of your hand, but they are similar to Oscars: mean to fish smaller than themselves. The polleni cichlid is the only tropical fish from Madagascar available to the aquarium trade.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Paratilapia polleni |
| Origin | Madagascar |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Temperament | Aggressive; eats smaller fish |
| Adult Size | Up to 10" |
| Lifespan | 10–15 years |
| Diet | Omnivore (protein-rich foods) |
| Water Temperature | 75–82°F |
| pH | 6.5–8.0 |
| Minimum Tank Size | 75+ gallons |
| Shipping Size | Approx. 2" |
Care Guide
Tank setup: Use a large tank with a sand bottom, sturdy rockwork or driftwood and strong filtration, since big cichlids are messy eaters. Anchor decorations well, as they like to dig. Change about 25% of the water every week.
Feeding: Feed a quality cichlid pellet once or twice a day, plus frozen foods like krill, shrimp and mysis a few times a week. Avoid feeder fish, which can carry disease.
Tankmates: Keep them only with other large, robust cichlids and catfish that can hold their own. They will eat any fish small enough to fit in their mouth.
Good to know: Polleni are personable "pet" fish that learn to recognize their owners, but they will eat any fish small enough to swallow.
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