Black Diamond Cichlid

⚫ Polleni Cichlid (Paratilapia polleni) Care Guide

Also known as the Black Diamond Cichlid or Polleni

The Polleni Cichlid is a bold, powerful freshwater cichlid from Madagascar, famous for its deep black body covered in shimmering white or blue spots. Even as juveniles, they display strong personality and intelligence, making them a striking centerpiece fish for large aquariums.

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Tank Requirements

Minimum Tank Size:

• Juvenile (4–5 cm): 200 litres

• Adult: 200+ litres

Temperature: 24–28°C

pH: 6.8–8.0

GH: 8–20

KH: 6–12

TDS: 200–400 ppm

They prefer stable, well-oxygenated water with moderate to strong filtration. Clean water is essential, as Polleni Cichlids are heavy eaters and produce significant waste.

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Habitat Setup

Recreate their rocky Madagascar environment with:

• Sand or fine gravel substrate

• Large rocks, caves, and driftwood for territory

• Open swimming space in the middle and lower tank

• Strong filtration with gentle to moderate flow

Live plants are usually uprooted or damaged; hardy plants (like Anubias) attached to rocks may survive, but artificial plants are often more practical.

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️ Feeding

Polleni Cichlids are omnivorous with a strong carnivorous preference:

• High-quality large cichlid pellets

• Frozen foods (shrimp, krill, mussels, bloodworms)

• Occasional live foods (from safe sources)

Feed juveniles 1–2 small meals daily. Avoid fatty mammal meats such as beef heart, which can cause digestive issues.

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Tank Mates

Polleni Cichlids are aggressive and territorial, especially as they mature.

Best kept:

• With other large, robust cichlids in large tanks

Possible tank mates (advanced keepers only):

• Large Central or African cichlids of similar size

• Large catfish (e.g., Synodontis, Plecos)

Avoid:

• Small or peaceful fish

• Fin-nippers

• Community tank setups

⚠️ Behavioral Note: Juveniles may appear manageable, but aggression increases significantly with size and maturity. Tank planning should always account for their adult behavior.

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Breeding

Polleni Cichlids are substrate spawners and require:

• Large tanks

• Stable water parameters

• Strong pair bonding

Parents guard eggs and fry aggressively. Due to their size and temperament, breeding attempts should only be made in species-only tanks.

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Sexing / Identification

Sexing juveniles is difficult.

Males:

• Larger adult size

• More intense spotting and coloration

• Extended fins

Females:

• Slightly smaller

• Rounder body shape, especially when mature

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Interesting Fact

The Polleni Cichlid is endemic to Madagascar, making it one of the few large African cichlids not from the Rift Lakes. Its dramatic spotted pattern helps it blend into rocky, shadowed environments in the wild.

Reference: Bubbly Fish – Creating underwater wonders