Paratilapia polleni is a medium-sized cichlid endemic to Madagascar. It is also a popular fish for display at public aquaria. It is sometimes referred to by the common names Polleni Cichlid and Black Diamond Cichlid, while the name Marakely ('black fish') is used among locals in Madagascar. This species is probably the only known member of its genus as its current congener, P. toddi, from the African mainland is unlikely to belong to this genus.