副非鲫

Overview

Paratilapia polleni is a large Madagascan cichlid with bright markings on a dark body. Its relative tolerance of other species has limits: small fish are prey, conspecific encounters can be aggressive, and breeding greatly increases territorial defense.

Distribution & habitat

Endemic to Madagascar, it is widespread across the island. Records span cool high-altitude water, hot springs, acidic blackwater, and mildly brackish habitats. Those contrasting wild settings should not be treated as interchangeable aquarium targets.

Aquarium setup

Provide shelter using roots, driftwood, and clay pots. Sand is preferable, though fine gravel is usable; plants can add cover without being essential. A breeding pair may occupy a substantial portion of the aquarium, and other large cichlids require much more room. Avoid abrupt changes in water conditions, using frequent small water changes.

Diet & feeding

A natural fish predator, it readily accepts nonliving foods in captivity, making live feeder fish unnecessary. Offer varied live, frozen, and accepted dry foods. Avoid terrestrial animal meat. Small aquarium companions remain potential prey even when prepared foods are readily eaten.

Behaviour & compatibility

Keep a single fish or an established pair unless the aquarium is exceptionally large. A large pair may defend more than 90 cm of tank length. Aggression toward intruders intensifies during reproduction, and partners also require observation. Relative tolerance of other large fish should never be extended to fish small enough to swallow.

Sexual dimorphism

Adult males are substantially larger, with longer dorsal and anal fin extensions and usually a more rounded head profile.

Breeding

Allow juveniles to pair naturally, then separate the pair from remaining fish. A breeding tank should be at least around 120 cm long, preferably longer. Conditions around 24–28 °C and pH 6.5–7.5 are suitable. The pair excavates a pit, with eggs deposited on the substrate, in wood hollows, or on exposed roots.

Sticky filaments connect the eggs into strings; a clutch may reach about 1,000. The female tends the eggs while the male patrols farther away, and she may exclude him from the immediate site. Hatching takes roughly two days, with free swimming around six to seven days. Offer brine shrimp nauplii, microworms, or powdered dry food. Both parents may guard the fry for several weeks. Juvenile territorial behavior develops at variable ages, so monitor growing groups. Inexperienced adults may eat broods or attack a partner, requiring separation.

Notes

The identity of large- and small-spotted forms has been disputed. Keep forms separate to prevent hybridization. Habitat destruction and introduced competitors threaten wild populations. Sensitivity to sudden water changes and susceptibility to velvet disease deserve particular attention.