Care
The Black Diamond Cichlid is endemic to Madagascar where it is widespread throughout the island's waterways. It is a very adaptable species which has been found in a number of different habitats and environmental conditions, from freshwater to lightly brackish, and with vastly differing water temperatures.
In the home aquarium, the Black Diamond Cichlid is best kept singly or as an established male-female pair. They are generally peaceful towards other robust cichlid species, but are intolerant of their own kind, particularly in smaller aquaria. Due to the adult size of this fish, a spacious aquarium is required. A group of youngsters can be grown on in a smaller tank, but in most cases they will eventually require separating into compatible pairs and rehoming into larger quarters. Powerful filtration should be provided at all times and partial water changes carried out on a regular basis; little and often is best, as Black Diamond Cichlids are sensitive to the changes in water parameters that larger water changes might bring. The tank itself should have a substrate of sand or small rounded gravel. Bogwood and rocks/slate can be used to create sheltered areas, but these should be made secure as these cichlids are more than capable of moving decor around. Bonding pieces of rock together with aquarium grade silicon sealant prior to filling the tank is sensible. Plants can be incorporated into the aquascape, but there is a risk they may be uprooted if a pair decides to spawn. Some aquarists have had success with well-rooted, established hardy motherplants which have had sturdy rocks placed around the stems to prevent uprooting. If this fails and plants are still desired, species such as Anubias or Java Fern (Microsorum spp.) can be tied on and trained to grow on the decor. Although this species will adapt to a wide range of water conditions, they must be acclimatised carefully. Outside of spawning, these fish are not especially aggressive, although small fishes and shrimps will be eaten. Barbs, large tetras and other cichlids of a similar size and temperament make great tankmates. However, if spawning behaviour does occur, expect aggression towards the other fish as these cichlids demand a large breeding territory which could encompass most of the aquarium.
As with many Madagascan species, this fish is vulnerable to habitat destruction in the wild and a few forms are held in conservation programmes. The fish previously know as P. bleekeri is now considered a form of polleni, giving rise to 'large spot' and 'small spot' forms which should not be cross bred. Paratilapia are considered to be amongst the most primitive cichlids and their uniqueness should be preserved.
Feeding
Slow sinking pellets & wafers, frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, Mysis shrimp, krill, cockle, mussel meat, prawns, and lancefish will all be taken with much enthusiasm. At least one feed per day should be given when the main lights are switched off.
Breeding
Bi-parental substrate spawners. Several days prior to spawning, an elaborate courtship ritual will begin with the male fish taking on intense dark colouration and displaying to the female. They will then dig a large depression in the substrate ready for spawning. If there are other fish present in the tank, the Black Diamond Cichlids will become aggressive at this point, and unless the tank is very spacious, the tankmates are best moved to another aquarium. The female will deposit her eggs in the large pit or in a hollow in the decor. The eggs each have a long sticky filament attached to them, and these attach to other eggs and form strings of hundreds of eggs, which the male fertilises. Up to 1000 eggs may be deposited and these are cared for by the female, whilst the male guards the perimeter. As the female fans the eggs, the strings may fold onto themselves and form a larger mass. The eggs should hatch within 48 hours and the wrigglers will become free-swimming after 4-5 days. They are large enough to take baby brineshrimp (Artemia nauplii) at this point. The parents will protect the fry for up to a month later, but should be separated after this point. The fry, if of different sizes, may need separating into groups by size to avoid aggression.
