Paratilapia polleni

''Paratilapia Polleni'' is a medium sized ''cichlid'' fish from Madagascar. It was first described by the ichthyologist ?? Bleeker in 18?? along with a second species, Paratilapia Bleekeri, now believed to be extinct.¹ P. Polleni is also endangered in the wild, but is found with increasing frequency in the aquarium hobby.

Morphology

The Polleni Cichlid is a laterally compressed full-bodied fish, like most cichlids resembling a perch-type fish in shape, hence the taxonomic designation perciform— 'perch-like'.² Males in captivity will develop a nuchal hump, a layer of fat above the eyes, though not to the same degree as other similar African Cichlids, such as the Cyphotilapia Frontosa and propper tilapia species of the African continent.

Coloration/Size

Adult Polleni Cichlids, and sub-adult dominant individuals are jet black in color, covered with brilliant iridescent spots which shift from golden to blue depending on the movement of the fish and the angle of the light, the eye is a bright yellow. This coloration makes them among the most beautiful and desirable of cichlids for aquarists. The male Polleni Cichlid can reach 30cm in length, females usually half that length. Sexing individuals becomes easier as they mature. As noted above, males are larger than females. In addition, males tend to have longer and sharper pelvic fins, and the edge of the dorsal and anal fins are often straighter in males, and more 'rounded' in females. Among aquarists it is often said that the females, though smaller are more beautiful in their coloration patterning.

In the Wild

In the wild P. Polleni inhabits a number of rivers and associated streams in northern Madagascar, including the environs of the town of Andapa, where the most recent exported specimens were collected. It is an omnivorous fish and occasional opportunistic piscivore, approaching smaller unsuspecting fish by stealth, with their dark coloration giving them an advantage. Polleni Cichlids observed hunting in the aquarium environment will sneak up on smaller fish from below during the pre-dawn hours and suck the smaller fish into their mouths using the typical cichlid 'suction effect' caused by quickly opening their mouths. Thus, using stealth and intelligence they are able to prey on fish they would otherwise not be able to catch. In Madagascar, where they are known as 'Marakely' the Polleni is a food fish, and like many cichlid fishes in many regions, reputed to have a good flavor.

Synonyms

Synonyms of this fish include the discarded species name Paratilapia Bleekeri, the local name Marakely ('black fish') and the Aquarium trade name Black Diamond Cichlid. There are two color varieties of the Polleni Cichlid, the 'large spot' and the 'small spot' Among Cichlid enthusiasts there is some confusion as to the names of these two varieties, large spot individuals sometimes being known under the discarded species name 'Bleekeri'. (According to Paul Loiselle Paratilapia Bleekeri is now extinct.)⁴

P. Polleni in the Aquarium

The Polleni Cichlid is temperature and PH tolerant, and reasonably hardy and outgoing in personality. As such this fish is an ideal aquarium fish if given the appropriate environment and tank mates for a medium sized aggressive cichlid. They eat any and all commercial foods, flakes, pellets, frozen, etc. ³ Polleni Cichlids display the same kind of intelligent behavior common to other cichlids. They can be trained to eat from the hand and will recognize and approach their owner (and often retreat from an unfamiliar person). In the Aquarium Polleni Cichlids are more cautious and easily spooked than many of the more readily available cichlids, but otherwise adaptable to aquarium life. Polleni Cichlids are aggressive to conspecifics, especially if a pair bond develops. The pair bond between males and females is sporadic and easily broken. If this happens the female can become imperiled by the male's aggression if not removed. Despite these qualities, the Polleni Cichlid is not well known in the aquarium trade, though this is beginning to change. Polleni when less than 3cm are dull brown in color, and non-dominant or sub-dominant individuals of any size will often suffer aggression from the 'alpha' or dominant individual if they display full coloration. For this reason there is generally only one or two fully colored individuals in an aquarium with many specimens. These traits may contribute to the Polleni Cichlid's relative obscurity in the hobby. Polleni Cichlids rank among the more aggressive african cichlids, comparable to Malawi and Tilapia cichlids. Some individuals have been known to slaughter their tank mates upon reaching maturity, though as a rule P. Polleni tolerates tankmates too large to eat fairly well.⁵ P. Polleni of both sexes display their best coloration during courtship and spawning. Successful aquarium spawnings are common.