Marakely
Paratilapia polleni, the Marakely, is a striking predatory cichlid endemic to Madagascar, where it inhabits rivers, lakes and slower stretches of fresh water. Its dark body is peppered with iridescent golden-blue spots, giving it a starry-night appearance. This is a large, powerful fish reaching around 28 cm, and it is territorial and predatory, especially during breeding. Keep single specimens or a bonded pair in a spacious tank of 450 litres or more with robust tankmates too large to be swallowed, or as a species-only setup. It tolerates a wide pH range from about 6.5 to 8.0 and moderate hardness, preferring cooler temperatures of 22 to 26 C. A committed carnivore, it takes earthworms, prawns, mussel, and quality carnivore pellets. Provide strong filtration, caves and stable water; an endangered species worth conserving.
Water parameters
| Temperature | 22 – 26 °C |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.5 – 8 |
| Carbonate hardness (KH) | 3 – 12 °dKH |
| General hardness (GH) | 5 – 18 °dGH |
Tank & stocking
| Minimum tank volume | 450 L |
|---|---|
| Volume budget per individual | 150 L — adds up with tank-mates |
“Minimum tank volume” is a reasonable floor, not an absolute limit. The per-individual budget is used by the Aqua app to estimate how heavily a tank is stocked.
Frequently asked questions
What size aquarium does Marakely need?
Provide at least 450 litres to keep Marakely in good conditions.
What water parameters does Marakely need?
A temperature of 22–26 °C, pH 6.5–8.
Is Marakely peaceful or aggressive?
Its temperament is aggressive.
What does Marakely eat?
Its diet: carnivore.
How big does Marakely get?
Around 28 cm as an adult.
Is Marakely suitable for beginners?
Care level: advanced.
Planning a tank with Marakely?
AquaTender turns these parameters into live advice: it checks whether your tank is big enough, how heavily it's stocked, and whether your fish are compatible — then tracks water tests, photos and maintenance for you.
Fish from the same biotope
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