Black Diamond Madagascar cichlid
📖 Overview
Black Diamond Madagascar cichlid (Paratilapia polleni), first described by Bleeker, 1868 is a medium-sized fish in the family Cichlidae (order Cichliformes). Adults typically reach 28.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Tropical waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Vulnerable.The species is important as a food fish and kept in the aquarium hobby. As a member of the Cichlidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Physical description for Black Diamond Madagascar cichlid is currently being compiled.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Black Diamond Madagascar cichlid is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; demersal; pH range: 7.0 - ? ; dH range: ? - 10. Tropical; 24°C - 28°C ; 13°S - 26°S endemic to Madagascar.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Black Diamond Madagascar cichlid is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Black Diamond Madagascar cichlid is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Black Diamond Madagascar cichlid has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Black Diamond Cichlid · Marakely · Marakely Cichlid · Polleni Cichlid |
| 🌍CES | cichlida madagaskarská |
| 🇩🇪German | Pollenbuntbarsch |
| 🇫🇮Finnish | tähtitilapia |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Ciclídeo-meia-noite |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Tilapia diamante negro |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paracara typus | Bleeker | 1878 | Synonym |
| Paratilapia bleekeri | Sauvage | 1891 | Synonym |
| Paratilapia typus | Bleeker | 1878 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Black Diamond Madagascar cichlid.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 48 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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