The Starry Night Cichlid is a striking Madagascan cichlid known for its velvety black body covered in shimmering blue-white spots that resemble a night sky. It is a larger, robust species best suited for aquarists with roomy tanks and experience keeping territorial cichlids.
The Starry Night Cichlid is one of the most sought-after cichlids from Madagascar, prized for its dramatic dark coloration and glowing spotted pattern. Mature fish can reach around 11–12 inches, making this a true centerpiece species for a larger freshwater aquarium. In the hobby, this fish is most often sold as Paratilapia polleni, though some large-spotted forms are still marketed as Paratilapia bleekeri or “Bleekeri” Starry Night Cichlids.
Temperament can range from semi-aggressive to aggressive, especially with conspecifics, similarly shaped fish, or during spawning. Because of their size and predatory tendencies, they are not community fish in the typical sense and should only be housed with robust tankmates too large to be eaten.
Why We Love It
Jet-black base color, brilliant star-like spotting, rare Madagascan origin, strong show-fish presence, and a unique look that stands apart from more common African cichlids. Dark substrate and subdued lighting can help bring out its best coloration.
Care Level
Intermediate. This species is hardy and adaptable, but its adult size, territorial nature, and need for appropriate tankmates make it better suited to aquarists with some experience keeping larger cichlids.
Recommended Tank Setup
A minimum of 75 gallons is commonly recommended for a single specimen, with larger tanks strongly preferred for pairs or mixed setups. Provide sturdy décor, caves, wood, rockwork, and open swimming space. This species appreciates secure cover and stable, well-filtered water.
Water Parameters
Temperature: 72–80°F
pH: 6.5–8.0
Adult size: up to about 11–12 inches (28–30 cm)
Temperament: Semi-aggressive to aggressive / territorial
Diet: Carnivorous to strongly meaty-leaning omnivore; piscivorous in nature
Feeding
Offer a varied diet of quality cichlid pellets, carnivore pellets, and frozen foods such as krill, shrimp, bloodworms, or other meaty foods. While this species is piscivorous in nature, it does not require live feeder fish in captivity and readily accepts prepared and frozen foods.
Tankmates
Best kept alone, as a carefully managed pair, or with other large, robust fish of similar size and temperament. Avoid small fish, since they may be viewed as prey, and avoid delicate or passive species that may be bullied.
Origin
Endemic to Madagascar. FishBase also lists the species as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
PetZoneSD Listing Notes
Sold as unsexed unless otherwise noted. Juveniles may show less intense spotting than mature fish, but coloration typically strengthens with size, condition, and proper environment. This species is best recommended for larger predator or specialty cichlid aquariums rather than standard community tanks.
Also Known As / Common Names
Starry Night Cichlid, Starry-Night Cichlid, Polleni Cichlid, Pollen’s Cichlid, Black Diamond Cichlid, Black Diamond Madagascar Cichlid, Marakely, Black Fish, and in some aquarium listings, Bleekeri Cichlid or large-spot/“Bleekeri” Starry Night Cichlid. FishBase lists Paratilapia polleni under the English name “Black Diamond Madagascar cichlid,” while hobby sellers commonly use Starry Night Cichlid and Polleni Cichlid.
Scientific / Latin Names
Accepted scientific name: Paratilapia polleni Bleeker, 1868. Scientific synonyms and names seen in older literature or the aquarium trade include Paratilapia bleekeri, Paratilapia typus, and Paracara typus. Catalog of Fishes treats Paratilapia bleekeri as a synonym of P. polleni, though hobby and specialist literature still discuss “Bleekeri” or large-spotted forms separately.
