Marakeli-Buntbarsch im Zoo Zürich

Starry-night cichlid

Paratilapia polleni

The starry-night cichlid was once the most common native fish in Madagascar. Today, it has become rare and is vulnerable.

VU

Red List
Vulnerable

Very few Madagascan freshwater fish species grow large enough to be suitable for consumption. The starry-night cichlid, also known as the Madagascar glitter cichlid, which can grow up to 30 centimetres, is an exception. It was once the most widely distributed native fish in Madagascar. The species has since become rare because it has been displaced from many bodies of water by introduced exotic species. 

The starry-night cichlid is an omnivore. It feeds on insect larvae, worms, freshwater prawns and plants.

Cichlids are a family of bony fish comprising around 1,700 species. They are found primarily in tropical and subtropical America, throughout Africa and in India. They live mainly in freshwater, although some species also inhabit brackish water.

Cichlids are mostly predatory and display a strong instinct to care for their young. Some species are popular aquarium fish.

Taxonomy

Cichlids (Cichlidae), genus Paratilapia (1 species)

Habitat

Rocky and sandy shores, open deep water, open surface water

Behaviour and ecology

in groups

Diet

algae, small fish, snails, insect larvae

Taxonomy

Cichlids (Cichlidae), genus Paratilapia (1 species)

Habitat

Rocky and sandy shores, open deep water, open surface water

Behaviour and ecology

in groups

Diet

algae, small fish, snails, insect larvae

Godparent

Support the animals of Zoo Zurich with your annual godparent sponsorship

Starry-night cichlid for CHF 150.–

Become a godparent

Godparent

Support the animals of Zoo Zurich with your annual godparent sponsorship

Starry-night cichlid for CHF 150.–

Become a godparent
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