Paratilapia Paratilapia spp.

As Madagascar's forest and freshwater habitats continue to be destroyed, many wildlife species are threatened or facing extinction, including fish. Above are Paratilapia species of cichlid endemic to Madagascar, a genus which includes several species distinguished mainly by the size of white spots on their bodies and some of which are yet to be scientifically named. They grow to 30cm long.

The Polleni cichlid, Paratilapia polleni, also called Black Diamond Cichlid, is native to rivers of northern Madagascar. It is a medium-sized omnivore cichlid with a black or greenish black background and white or metallic spots. Once considered the only valid member of its genus, it has since been split into the "large spot", P. bleekeri, which can grow to 30cm long, and the smaller "small spot", P. polleni. They are also in danger of extinction in the wild and, while some continue to be taken from the wild for the hobbyist and aquarium trade, the hobbyists/aquaria have also contributed to conservation breeding of the Polleni.