Marakeli cichlid - Paratilapia polleni
Scientific name: Paratilapia polleni
Common name: Marakeli cichlid
Family: Cichlidae
Usual size in fish tanks: 20 - 28 cm (7.87 - 11.02 inch)
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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.5 - 7.7
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 7 - 16°N (125 - 285.71ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 23 - 28 °C (73.4 - 82.4°F)
The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning
Where the species comes from: Madagascar
Temperament to its own species: peaceful
Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive to smaller
Usual place in the tank: Top levels
Food and feeding
In time Marakeli cichlids will accept all foods. Offer them live or frozen foods but vary the diet with quality flake or pellets. Do not give them beef heart of other animal meat as they cannot digest the lipids.
Origin
Africa; Marakeli cichlids are endemic to Madagascar.
Sexing
Males will be slightly larger than the females with extended dorsal and anal fins. The may also have a rounder head shape.
Breeding
Prior to spawning the male will darken considerably and dig a large pit in the substrate. The female will deposit her eggs in the pit and after 48 hours they fry should hatch. Both parents will show parental care for the brood and may move them around the tank. Once the fry are free swimming, they can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp.
Lifespan
The expected life span for Paratilapia polleni is 5-8 years.
Short description
Generally a peaceful fish but it will show aggression to its own kind. It is best to house a single specimen or a breeding pair. Paratilapia polleni prefer a sandy substrate with plenty of hiding places and demand a high water quality.
Pictures
Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.