Oscar
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| Common name | Oscar, Tiger oscar, Red tiger oscar, Velvet cichlid |
| Scientific name | Astronotus ocellatus |
| Synonyms | |
| Size | 12" (30cm) or more. |
| Origin | South America |
| Tank setup | A large tank (see below), with plenty of open space and robust decor. Ensure that heaters are protected from breakage. |
| Compatibility | Not for the community tank! Small fishes will be eaten. Robust tankmates should be chosen with care. |
| Temperature | 23-28oC (73-82oF) |
| Water chemistry | Not critical: around neutral pH (6.5-7.5), soft to fairly hard |
| Feeding | Carnivorous: live and dead meaty foods and pellet/tablet foods. |
| Sexing | No obvious differences. Pairs are usually obtained by allowing one to form naturally from a group of juveniles. |
| Breeding | A large number of eggs are laid on a pre-cleaned surface. The eggs and fry
are tended by both parents. |
| Comments |
The attractive colouration of juveniles makes them very popular, but this fish grows very large, and a single adult
is likely to require a tank of around 50 gallons minimum eventually. A pair will require a tank of around 80 gallons or larger.
They are enthusiastic and messy feeders, so a good filtration system is essential.
Oscars are considered one of the ultimate 'pet' fish, due to their obvious intelligence and personality - almost every long-term
oscar owner has a story to tell about the antics of their 'pet'!
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