FishChecker

The Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus) is a highly intelligent and charismatic cichlid native to South America, renowned for its striking personality and impressive size. These large, robust fish typically exhibit a base coloration ranging from dark green to black, often adorned with vibrant orange, red, or yellow patterns that vary significantly between individuals and localities. Young Oscars are particularly attractive, displaying more defined marbled patterns that gradually consolidate as they mature. Growing up to 12-16 inches (30-40 cm) in captivity, Oscars require substantial aquarium space, with a minimum tank size of 75 gallons for a single specimen, and considerably more for a pair or community setup. They are highly predatory, actively hunting smaller tank mates, and possess a powerful mouth capable of rearranging aquarium decor. Known for their curiosity, Oscars often recognize their owners and can even be hand-fed. Providing a varied diet of high-quality cichlid pellets, frozen foods, and occasional live treats is essential for their health and vibrant coloration. Excellent filtration and regular water changes are crucial to manage the significant bio-load they produce. While they can be kept with other large, semi-aggressive cichlids, careful monitoring and appropriate tank size are paramount to prevent aggression.

Highly predatory and territorial.