Think Fish - The Tropical Fish Keeping Resource

Fish Database: Oscar - Astronotus ocellatus

Aquarium requirements

Aquarium suitability: 3/5
Sociability rating: 5/10
Area of tank: All
Aquarium water conditions: 6-8.5, vs,s,m,h,vh
Temperature: 24 - 28C
Feeding: Pellet, frozen, live, meaty foods
Minimum tank size: 150cm
Min / Max number in tank:

Fish fact file

Family: Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Synonyms: Labotes ocellatus, Acara ocellatus
Other common names: Marble Cichlid, Red Oscar, Velvet Cichlid
Origin: South America; Amazon River basin
Natural habitat: Relatively quiet sandy-bottomed shallow waters
Size: 40cm
Behavior: Aggressive, destructive, peaceful, pair forming
Breeding:
Natural water conditions: pH 6-8, soft to hard
Sexing:

Fish code No.1110

Recently Viewed fish: Oscar

The Oscar is well known to many fishkeepers, as it will become very involved with its owners, working out how to 'ask' for food and on occasion acting differently towards different humans. Although Oscars make excellent 'pet' fish, they should be chosen with serious thought. Their mild aggression is constant and at 40cm they demand a large aquarium, in which they will regularly move décor around as it suits them. Although aggressive they can also be classed as peaceful, but only when kept in a suitably sized environment. In a large aquarium they can be kept in small groups and/or with other large, hardy fish where despite the occasional squabble, they will accept and get along with their tank mates. Meaty foods are an important part of the diet but it should be noted that many Oscars die early due to overfeeding. Despite the Oscars constant begging for food, they eat far more than they need to, and once they reach over 20cm, they should only be fed once every other day. An albino variety is also available.

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