Bleekeri vs Polleni

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo

Buphy

Dovii
MFK Member
Jun 10, 2015
1,265
292
107
34
Texas
So I'm trying to do some more research on these 2; specifically the differences. Visually I know the Polleni has much smaller spots than the bleekeri but apart from that I have little knowledge on the differences (temperament, size difference, ect.).
 
This question would require pages of answer, and because the term "bleekei" is not considered valid by the scientific community, very difficult to give a quick answer to.
One of the best resources is the book,
"The Endemic Cichlids of Madagascar", by de Rham and Nourisatt
I have had it since it was translated into English and reference it to check any answers I might give here on MFK. I believe it is a must have, for any serious keeper of Madagascan cichlids
If you want to get into naming specifics, there is an article called "How many Marakely "(1993) by Loiselle and Stiassny that breaks down the variants step by step.
Marakely is the Madagascan name for Paratilapia, and the authors are 2 of the best known and respected scientists working with cichlids today.
 
Well it doesn't answer my question... But I guess I dont have a good question =P
 
As far as temperament goes, I have found the "Andapa" (large spot) to be a bit more aggressive than the small spot. But this is all relative. At @1" I had an Andapa that killed all 7 of its brothers and sisters, yet left any other fish in the tank alone.

My 4 small spot lived quite well together in a tank of only 120 gallons until they started spawning activities, and had to be moved into a 500 gal pool, and even with the large space, the male killed 2 females, but spawned with the remaining female.
 
Here's some pictures of mine. His problem is he likes to look directly at the camera so it's hard to get a good side shot. Doesn't leave his cave only he feels some one is too close or its feeding time.

image.jpg

image.jpg

image.jpg
 
MonsterFishKeepers.com