Paretroplus is a genus of cichlids endemic to lakes and rivers of Madagascar. The vast majority are threatened and restricted to the northwestern part of the island. Only Paretroplus polyactis is found in the southern half of Madagascar and only Paretroplus polyactis and Paretroplus gymnopreopercularis are found in eastern drainages. Most are restricted to freshwater, but at least Paretroplus polyactis and Paretroplus maromandia can also be seen in brackish habitats.