Overview
- The Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus) is a large, intelligent South American cichlid, also called the velvet or tiger oscar.
- Widespread in the Amazon region, usually in slow or still forest waters.
- Grows to about 14 in (35 cm) standard length.
- Typically lives 10–20 years, so it is a long-term commitment.
Feeding
- An omnivore that eats small fish, insects, crustaceans and plants in the wild.
- Offer quality cichlid pellets plus shrimp, earthworms and similar foods. [UNVERIFIED]
Habitat
- A tank with a base of at least 60 × 24 in (150 × 60 cm).
- Soft sand and a few large pieces of decor. It digs, so delicate aquascapes don’t work.
- Water: 68–82°F (20–28°C), pH 6.0–7.5, GH 5–20.
Fish Care
- A heavy eater that produces a lot of waste. Use strong filtration and regular water changes. [UNVERIFIED]
Compatibility
- Will eat much smaller fish.
- Only for large tanks with similar-sized, robust tankmates.
Aquarium Behavior
- Not especially aggressive for its size.
- Often recognizes its owner and rearranges decor. [UNVERIFIED]
Breeding
- A substrate spawner that forms long-term pairs.
- Start with 6 or more juveniles and remove the others once a pair forms.