The Most Beautiful Cichlid in the World the Paratilapia Polleni

[@ScottMclaughlinJ]

New drinking game! Every time i say the word "beautiful" take a shot! See if you can make it to the end of the video without passing out! LMAO!!! Hit that like button and please leave me a comment- I love hearing from you guys!!!!

[@snoopysrc]

can this fish go in a 20gallon tank alone??????????

[@litoloco4fish]

I found one yesterday. The shop had it at 2 inches in a 30 gallon full of hybrid convict/parrot. Needless to say it was tore up. Tail nearly gone, fins torn up. Sad! I wanted to save it in essence so I asked if they would give me a discount for it being so chewed up. 20% off and away we went. Its settling in well. It turned green/ brown when I got it home. Now its black with beautiful bright white/blue markings..even at 2 inches....so hopefully it will live a good life. Thanks for info very helpful

[@AQUAFUNK]

SCOTT this is probably my favorite videos of yours so far because it is giving useful information about a fish in a way that we can all digest it. This video also highlights one of the reasons why I believe your Channel is so important to the fish Mob Community. not only do you bring your personal thoughts but you also bring expert first hand accounts. I have never kept this fish but it is on my top three fish I wish to keep in the future and your comparison to an Oscar is definitely the most helpful information I have heard on this fish since I began looking into it. KEEP UP THE TRUE WORK and I hope that anytime someone Googles this species your video is the first to pop up. STAY FUNKY PLAY-BOY 😎👍

[@ScottMclaughlinJ]

Trying to hit 2,600 subscribers this week so if you havent already PLEASE consider hitting that sub button. I am only 35 away! TY Guys

[@dwsdarius]

Beautiful pair...love these detailed videos!

[@ScottMclaughlinJ]

TY buddy- i actually have a trio but the other female hides all the time- an honor to have you here- TY for watching

[@KareemHadee]

I used to have a pair of Paratilapia Polleni in my 180 gallon tank. They spawned once, and I think they may have been stressed by other tank mates. They are one of my favorite fish along with zebra tilapia. Very hearty and easy to care for.

[@dennyclose6635]

Great fish and great info Scott! Loved that cap! Thanks for sharing!

[@EloyYT]

Great video, thanks for uploading it! I only have a 5" polleni alone in my aquarium that was originally Asian biotope, I just like you made an exception because I was fascinated by this fish when I first knew it. I also thank you for your excellent English vocalization, for non-native speakers like me that makes a big difference when watching videos on KZbin.

[@MikesAquaticsThings]

Thank you so much for this video! I have a chance to pick these up but didn't know anything about this species other that it was absolutely beautiful (takes a shot) LOL. Saw another video from another prominant youtuber who basically stated that these were super aggressive and couldn't be kept with anything else. I completely trust your take on these much more and to solidify that with your 2 experts makes me very happy as my plan was exactly that to keep these with my Oscars. My only concern left is can I get just one or do need to be kept in a group to bring down the aggression level? Thanks again!

[@DanielKeepingFish]

Great video man. Definately one of the most beautiful freshwater fish. Good to get in depth reliable information on them too. Actually watch it twice. They are so beautiful.

[@anchor4346]

Thank You, I was fortunate enough to attend the ACA convention the year Paul Loiselle (1993 in Minnesota)came back from Madagascar the first time. He set some of these up at the auction and they went for a lotsa bucks. Was impressed with what he presented too (Intramural Thugee).

[@jeffreykaban1589]

I really appreciate your info on this fish. I recently acquired one of these fish with the understanding that it would grow to 3-4". Well once I got the fish home and in my community tank, I started doing some research on this fish. To my surprise and pleasure I discovered how big and beautiful this fish is. Well ,now that I'm armed with this info I know that my 25gal community tank will soon be far too small for this big beauty. I have been planning build a larger aquarium for some time now. This paratalpia polleni and potentially a mate will find comfort in a 120-150gal aquarium. Just figuring out the space in the house for such a large fish tank.

[@sflagg0817]

I just picked one up, you should make another exception. Add a Buttikoferi I have had one about 7 years now and I'd about the size of your hand. Black and yellow colors look awesome.

[@karloshskorner2874]

Yea, those fish are extremely gorgeous 😍

[@Scrub_Zero]

Great video my man. It's great to see a good video about an interesting fish that isn't covered all the time. I hope you have a lot of tanks and a lot of fish!

[@invaderjoshua6280]

Just got one that is pure black even on the face, and it has a mix of blue and white spots. I'm so obsessed with it. This fish has made me love Madagascar cichlids. They seem more like north/south American cichlids then African cichlids. I really want a pinstripe damba pair next.

[@TMAquatics]

That little tiny island is 44% larger than California 😉. I guess that qualifies it as a HUGE MONSTER island....🤣 Beautiful Fish 👍. 🚫 African Cichlid zone. I like it. Don’t much care for Blue African Guppies myself.

[@ScottMclaughlinJ]

TM Aquatics damn it I knew someone would catch me on that! lol you got me buddy you are right! Thanks for watching

[@mofofish_]

Beautiful fish !!

[@MobbGuppy]

Fascinating Profile. Thanks Scott!

[@Cichlids23]

Truly a beautiful Fish! Great job on the research and asking very credible people their opinions and experiences with them...awesome video!!

[@ScottMclaughlinJ]

TY Brother for you continued support- Means alot

[@alwaysanovice]

Thank you for first and second-hand information. I'm going to set up a 180-gallon system in my man cave. The starry night cichlid is on a very shirt list of options.

[@aquaticsplanet5033]

Your videos keep getting better !

[@tentyme1]

Just subscribed ! (Nice channel man). while looking for info on this fish. I have I was sold pair at a GCCA rare fish auction and since forgot if they were the polleni or the Bleeker. They are the small dot version. Which is the polleni? I’m guessing because of both of them are under 10” and probably full grown since they are about 3 ish yrs old. Would this be correct? It’s the polleni? Thank you again !

[@FKJ_WORLD]

Love the look of this fish, Interesting talk about it. Probably one day I'll actually see one close up . Nice share

[@evan_rifkind]

Awesome vid! I have a 12"in male and just bought a 4" female. Do you think I could combine them for breeding, now or later, or is there too much a difference already?

[@ScottMclaughlinJ]

Jim Cumming says he gets the best results having 1 male and 2 females. I have tried it both ways and still have not bred this incredible cichlid. I'm frustrated at this point having bred so many other cichlids. Keep me posted Evan on your experience and let me know if you have success. TY for viewing and leaving a comment

[@gregedgerton3390]

I doubt you'll read this so late in the day. It's more question than comment. Mr. Fish doesn't really look like it, but is he a mouth brooder ? Have you done a video on the molluskovore: Butter - , something ? Always fascinated with them. I believe that they are also African. You did what I did: focused my cichlid society to one region. Do you have a favorite; among the new world. Love your work. You sit on the fence holding hands with both the beginner as well as the experienced, - if you were a big liar - you'd make a perfect politician ! 🙂

[@QueAquatics]

What an amazing beauty! Thanks for sharing

[@GoonieGooGoo410]

Just picked up 6 for $60, about 2-1/2 inches. Usually they are listed $25 a piece at the store

[@FishTankBarn]

Cool video Scott. Nice fish. I do videos on fish that I don’t have or keep either. I like foreshadowing on my livestream the other day.

[@Squid9708]

One side note the bleekiri or large spot can't be kept with the small spots . They will always fight. The large spots have a more dominant personality than the small spots. Hence why Prof. Bleekiri was awarded the name as a new sub species.

[@doghows]

Very beautiful fish....today is the first time I heard of them so THANK YOU for teaching me something new today....keep up the great videos...👊👊🍻🍻🍻

[@ScottMclaughlinJ]

absolutely my pleasure- ty so much for your support

[@dougkidd4799]

Great video, thank you

[@gregjohnston6987]

We have one in a tank full of big, tough african cichlids. He's one of our favorites. The only fish he moves for is Oscar. Our Venustus dwarfs him, but he will make him swim around him. They remind me of a prettier black crappie which is why I bought him. I fish a lot.

[@paul44235]

Would these be compatable housed with Vieja Argentea? I realize they come from opposite sides of the world. I love your channel. Keep up the awesome work!

[@shesellsfish]

I've never seen this fish anywhere before. Thanks for spot lighting it and the information on it. See y'all Sun night. 👍💕👍

[@joemunoz1251]

Very nice species profile. Excellent job my friend.

[@ScottMclaughlinJ]

Joe means alot- TY so much for your support

[@ostravia]

I had one fully grown about 11 inches and very fat. Lovely fish not very aggressive at all but very beautiful because the spots are not really white they are all different colours like a galaxy when they reflect and the body is deep green. Bit like an African Oscar.

[@wolfmania10]

I happen to have one of these myself named Osbourne who is about 3.5 inches right now living in my 120 gallon cichlid community. I wanted to know the gender of mine because a lot of sites online say the females only grow to roughly 6 inches while the males regularly grow to over a foot. In your research and your inquiries with the experts did they say anything about this drastic size difference between genders? And did they give any easy way to tell gender of individual fish. Conflicting reports and advice on internet cause more confusion than assistance. Thank you

[@barebonesbrisco3954]

I have kept a few of these fish. Both Bleekeri and Poleni. I may add a few more to my tank. Great video!!!!

[@ScottMclaughlinJ]

TY Bare Bones- They are great cichlids aren't they!!!

[@armanduval.83]

I just got one male, the vendor said he didn't have females. Probably he didn't want us, the customers to start up breeding them so we spoil his business, since they are rare on my neck of the woods. I love, this fish, they are absolutely awesome!

[@Charlie-xj9mv]

Great video they are one of my favorites and best sellers.👍🏻

[@ScottMclaughlinJ]

TY for watching- as you can tell they are one of my favorites too!

[@CaylorsReptilesAquatics]

One of my LFS has a large group of these, juveniles. I saw a large adult a couple years ago, they are stunning. Are they a CARES species? Great job Scott!

[@ScottMclaughlinJ]

Chewy beat me to it! LOL ty so much for watching and for all your support- I appreciate being able to call you a friend

[@CaylorsReptilesAquatics]

@Chewy Ltd Thanks Chewy!

[@madfishdiva]

Great video. They are stunning fish.

[@selectpet]

Another great video

[@Tox927]

This channel has a lot of potential, Id like to see more videos like this. cheers 🍺

[@oscarc6800]

Nice video! Can you keep these fish with others? For example with Electric Blue Rams?

[@leedani9279]

I have two full grown specimens. One male and one female. they are in separate tanks. the male is in with South Americans and the female is in with huge Africans, both are fabulous. I have three unsexed specimens in with Africans, all doing well. I have done Africans and South Americans for 45 years and couldn't agree more. These fish are stunning. No difference in coloration at all, just in the fins. the spots are almost iridescent!!

[@m5hector31]

I'm surprised you don't include the paratilapia butterkoferi into your fish room. They are super mean and ruthless once they reach 5/6inches

[@GSP-76]

If you like the starry night, check out some of the Tanganika cichlids.

[@amx1820]

Great information... Keep it up

[@darrylguy2338]

i found the paratilapia polleni babies yesterday so i had to have them just two wish me luck

[@mk_cichlids]

I had a large spot a long time ago, I always thought it was called a Bleekeri. One of my favorite fish of all time, nothing does them justice like seeing them in person.

[@armanduval.83]

Great job, Sir!

[@cristiancelis6217]

My starry night cichlid has been more yellowish /green than black lately I’ve checked my water parameters and everything is fine do u have any suggestions on how I can fix this

[@ScottMclaughlinJ]

while it lasts everyone enjoy the live feed for the premiere of this video- after that please leave comments below- TY!

[@franciscomorales5812]

Hi Scott great video can you give names of the farms that sale the Polleni Cichlid I love this fish and would like to get some.

[@ScottMclaughlinJ]

@@franciscomorales5812 Imperial Tropicals would be my pick- I know the owner well and would highly recommend him. Here is the link tell him i sent you, you might get a discount: imperialtropicals.com/collections/african-cichlids/products/paratilapia-bleekeri-starry-night-cichlid?variant=28034423041

[@timn398]

What South American cichlids can be kept with my female starry cichlid? Thanks

[@m5hector31]

Hey Scott how do you feel about the paratalapia butterkoferi cichlid? They are nasty predators. I have a almost 13in male and 7.5in female.she stays hidden alot because he bullies her.im thinking about separating them

[@Whaleydavey]

Beautiful fish. I think the blue yellow aulonocara baenschi is the most beautiful though.

[@jhuff05]

You have convinced me, where can I find some of these?

[@catfishcave379]

Tilapias are the best... with lemon and butter. Ok, I admit it's a nice looking fish - I still prefer the Jaguar or the True parrot. You should go to Winnipeg and do a full tour of Jim's fish room. I watch all the clips, but he's never done a full tour.

[@williamblansett5786]

Have you tried the larger species of Hemichromis? African cichlids from Africa but like riverine environment.

[@Ezunit1991]

Hey any idea if I would be able to keep this fish in a 125 long with Senegal bichir, eureka red, 2 electric blue acara, 3 angelfish, and 3 balas? Looking for kinda a centerpiece fish. Was between this, the Oscar fish, or the sapphire star cichlid.

[@darrylguy2338]

Thank you for doing this video I didn't know you had them Fantastic

[@ScottMclaughlinJ]

Ty for viewing and dropping me a comment, much appreciated

[@anthonystewart4724]

What do you feed yours, the one I have is a very picky eater

[@vissersven]

hello K&Q. i have a question for u. We just got a trio of these starry night cichlids in a 300ltr tank. Bought them last saturday as being 2 females and 1 male. Now today my lfs called me and he told me he made a mistake. he gave us two males and one female. the cichlids are doing fine in the tank. they dug a big ditch in the corner of the tank. ??? My lfs told me that we can exchance one male for his last female. Or he is willing to give me a discount to pickup the female and basically have two males and two females in the tank. What do u suggest. Tankmates: Bichir senegalus, bichir delhezi and a galaxys pleco. plus a few startup guppies but i think they are gone now. oh btw the paratilapias are about 10cm now. the female being 9. greets.

[@vissersven]

so i didnt get an awnser from u guys. what happened. i drained the water and without destructing the scape i wasnt able to catch the male. we decided to get the other female and have 4. 2 male & 2 female. As soon as i introduced the second female the smaller male and the new female got chased around the tank. for 2 days on and on. hiding etc. weird because before the two males and one female were perfectly fine. we brougt the small male and female back too the shop. they were getting beat up pretty bad. and now we have a happy couple of a male and female.

[@ronderfulaquariums2978]

It is a beauty

[@thirstyrabbittanks2u191]

Top resources from home footage to the information researched Cool video see you soon ☝️❤️☝️🌏✌️

[@emilyvandygriff5162]

Nice video. I had planned to keep these but my son begged for tropheus...so there went that empty tank and plan

[@ottomattix86]

Are you part of the Madagascar endangered fish group on FB? You should lol Im in Winnipeg and have several of Jim Cumming fish.

[@ScottMclaughlinJ]

Yes I am actually on the CARES team and a mod on the FB page

[@ottomattix86]

@@ScottMclaughlinJ nice. I've posted in that group too.

[@sondercichlidaquariums4951]

Do you really think it’s THE most beautiful cichlid? I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder ,Give me asfraci or tuba any day over any other freshwater fish. Tuba are top of my list. I want less but much more rare cichlids. I know it’s Madagascar but it’s not really counted as an African, not so much due to where it’s from. The Madagascar is similar in spawning and behaviour to the buttikoferi (nowhere near as aggressive though) but I mean they are substrate spawners etc etc..Paul Loselles opinion often differs from others in the hobby..the first a Freddy, then it’s not a Freddy , it’s a new species , then dna says it is a Freddy , and now a Freddy is now a multifasciatus ffs 😂👍🏻. I lose track. This is by far the most informative video I’ve seen on this species by far. I’m afraid I’m now a traitor, I have almost as many saltwater tanks as central’s now 😒

[@williamblansett5786]

The Serranochromis species are predatory cichlid, resembling black bass , from the rivers of Africa. Did you ever keep them.

[@tommyblansett9254]

There were several great articles of Madgascar Cichilds, especially 2 now outdated articles on Paratilapia, in Cichlid Room Companion. The are several species of Madagascar cichlids and I believe all endangered. If memory serves me right, the man that had really opened Madagascar for fish collection was from France and tried to have pairs of every cichlid. Can't remember his name but I believe he contributed to Cichlid Room Companion but may have died though maybe someone is trying to fulfill his wish to save cichlids of Madgascar through reproduction and distribution to the hobby.

[@cichlidstrainhunter3607]

SMASHED 👍

[@ScottMclaughlinJ]

much appreciated

[@wildturkey691]

I love mine

[@wildturkey691]

Mines 7 inchs now wooooo

[@vexitility1076]

I think jack Dempsey’s are the best looking but that’s just my opinion

[@anchor4346]

A very nice fish but I have seen quite a bit of variation in them and some just don't measure up. However, thos that do will definitely rival the pollen

[@dustinadkins7453]

Especially the electric blue jack Dempsey

[@barebonesbrisco3954]

So Bleekeri and Ponlini are one now???

[@ScottMclaughlinJ]

Yep they are calling them both the same currently

[@jonathancasy607]

I have a paratalapia also I got him around 2 inches he is about 4-5 now he was in a tank with a few other chichlids but he was beating everyone up so I got him in his own tank now can't wait to find him a girlfriend

[@darrylguy2338]

I own some very small still But beautiful

[@rickydoo44]

What's wrong with African cichlids I by far believe most of the cichlids it come out of lake Malawi or some of the most colorful fish you can get.?

[@ScottMclaughlinJ]

You realize the Polleni “is” considered an African cichlid. Madagascar is just off the coast of Africa. But there is nothing wrong with the African Rift lake Cichlids to what I believe you are referring to. Just not my cup of tea. Thanks for your comment

[@cichlidkingaquatics5988]

I've had one for a year. The parents are beutiful. And large. They are timid, not nessiarilly aggressive so not good for a community tank.

[@cordgauthier354]

That's an opinion cause I think red terror and green terror are some of the most beautiful

[@lpdb1995]

if they are a ferrari, oscars are lambo's bigger chunkier but just as badass. (#oscarsforlife)

[@anggr4549]

African Cichlids blow south americans away i love them all but nothing is more beautiful.i have them all so silly to cut out the best .

[@michaelharrity9795]

I still like my jaguar

[@davidleach4689]

I got two little ones

[@desertflower2016]

Put starry night back into fresh water Slow to fresh Rick Fr .Brooklyn

[@ogsvideos6423]

Sup Bro

[@TheAETC]

Dude. Advice...show the fish while you're talking as thats why we clicked!

[@bankjob0982]

I wear alot of black and white.... lol....

[@akshayrao3939]

There's a dead fish in the tank. Top left side.

[@thebear6529]

Says who?

[@mandymoore5774]

Well seeings how Madagascar is off of Africa makes sense w it being an African cichlid. Duh.

[@duanelerkins5070]

I feel that most of your Aquariums are way or scaped, it looks as thou there little to no room for these cichlids breeds to move around. If you were running 800- 1,000 gallon Aquariums, there's almost no space to move around.

[@tonysworld1312]

Tiny island ha ha ha

[@chrisdittmer5502]

Female red terror is more beautiful!