Paratilapia: polleni and bleekeri BLACK DIAMOND CICHLID

Paratilapia polleni and Paratilapia bleekeri were separate species.
Until recently that is! Then it reverted AGAIN.

Oh well, we'll leave that to taxonomy and systematics specialists.
As long as we do not mix what COULD be different species, we should do fine!

Consolidation in taxonomy saw Paratilapia polleni "small spot" and "large spot" to include former "P bleekeri"

P bleekeri , has AGAIN, however been re-instated.to specific status.
Just for HOW LONG, is anyone's guess!

These are Malagasy(Madagascan) Cichlids.
Which have found favour with hobbyists who want something "different", a bit larger, and interesting breeding habits....NOT too easy to spawn.
Besides which, we reduce pressure on Natural stocks, when we geit it RIGHT!

Near extinction status in the wild, is always fascinating to collector-keepers for extremely different reasons .

Their habitat is rapidly encroached upon by human progress, and they, along with many species of bird,mammal, plant, reptile and fish have prompted captive bred programs .

Case in point, Aponogetons ulvaceus, henkelianus and madagascariensis.
Also Malagasy Lemur, Parrot, Chameleon, Snake species are similarly supported by pet trade.

Of course unscrupulous means may yield wild-source specimens, if purely for economic gain.

Paratilapia polleni(And P bleekeri?) are now and again, obtained from specialist cichlid breeders.

TASA has chance to own a few....I know there'll be a few available for a short time.

Until then when I see them, I will try to snap a few pics.
Apparently young 55-60mm are going to be doing the rounds....

It remains to be seen whether these are
P bleekeri or P polleni variants

PM me if you'd like to know more.

 

Cool, whats the aggression like?

 

Hey, goto sleep!

What are you upto, or goin to sleep now?

Par for the Cichlid course.
Maxing out in 20-30cm size range.

Aggro around breeding time especially.
ALOT less than your Central American "Psychos" like Gold Midas, Festae, Red Devil, Dovii, Motaguense, Managuense

More Like Firemouth, JackDempsey, Convict, Blue Acara mentality.

Male : Female Ratio plays a great deal.

Here's a SHOCKER FOR YOU, Phil!!!

Less likely than other fish of similar sized to up-end well-rooted plants.

Just not for your typical , placid, fully planted tanks though...LOL

Remember they come from Aponogeton territory!

Here's the OTHER Paratilapia polleni "Large Spot"
variant, or , currently known as, Paratilapia bleekeri


I swear linked TWO pix in first post. Must be some copyright issue.
:blink1:

 

Sat night in stellenbosch what u think?

Oh and well said Sir, perfect way 2 catch my attention! Just a pitty about size, although a great center piece 4 a display tank!

 

I bet they cost one hellava lot though...

 

very nice fish.
Thanks 4 this interesting info

 

NOT PRICEY, at ALL!

You've got a few fish you've paid more for!!!!

I will hear on Tues
If you would like to know..just email me

 

Hey guys I had the small spot sometime ago and have been looking for these guys recently,mine had a spawning at about 8cm.they were very affordable,kindly pm or call me 0837803470

 

hey Altum can you let me know where i can get some pollenis

 

Have to check for you

I imported some around that thread time, awhile ago now.

I can ask any of the LFS who bought them from the wholesaler who distributed them for me.

IF you really interested pm me for my email add. and let's take it from there.

How many do you want?

 

Morning all,

I know this is a VERY old thread... BUT I'm looking for Paratilapia pollen or Paratilapia bleekeri. Would prefer the big spot one.
Anybody know where I could get some???

Thanks

 

wazeers normally have

 

totally off topic but what cichlids have you tried with your rays @Reedfish

 

Geos have worked with the rays for us for a couple years but must be the Surinamensis or Threadfin
We tried Red heads and one or two others but they were too cheeky.
Severums have worked as well.
Have had Frontosas with no problem.. yes.. in nature their water requirements are slightly different to the rays but what we buy today is captive bred and been living in normal water so as long as the parameters and ph are stable, they do fine and were not aggressive or intimidated by the rays

I had Uarus and Chocolates and they were not a problem with the rays, in fact the chocolates hid most of the time and eventually I felt sorry for them
The Uarus were ok but they just stuff their mouths with everything they can and can not fit in their mouth
Flash was tiny at the time and they world not let her eat... they were ok with the rays as far as I can remember
I have two that I am growing out at the moment and they are with small pups so far no issues

There are other cichlids you can try, sometimes it works and sometimes doesnt
I have also come to the conclusion that within the same species you do find some are more aggressive than others

 

thanks for replies @Reedfish and @MariaS
really think fronts for the win at some point, love them and have not kept them for years.

 

I think a big factor in keeping mild mannered cichlids with rays is space

In a big tank your options or chances of success are much higher
If the cichlids decide to pair up and breed then you could suddenly have a problem although our geos have spawned many times both in my tank and Cesar's with no problems

A lot of it is also luck of the draw and depends on each individual fishe's character
I had an Oscar which i had to rehome as he defended his territory and got nasty to the rays. Yet Cesar has a beautiful albino tiger oscar with his male rays and it causes no problems at all..