Red Oscar Cichlid

Red Oscar Cichlid

The oscar, Astronotus ocellatus, is a species of fish from the cichlid family known under a variety of names including tiger oscar, velvet, and marble cichlid. The species is native to South America. Oscar's can grow as large as 50cm, so a large fish tank is highly recommended.

Like most cichlids it is considered aggressive, and will eat virtually anything it can fit in its mouth. Care must be taken to house with similar-sized species able to tolerate the aggression and hunger of the Oscar. 

Oscars will often lay claim to an area of the aquarium and be very aggressive towards other fish encroaching on their newly established territory. The size of the territory varies depending on the size and aggressiveness of the fish based on its surroundings. Once the oscar establishes a territory, it will defend it by chasing away other fish. A habitat replicating the strong water flow of a tropical river is ideal with soft substrate, rocks, debris, and vegetation scattered around on top. One Oscar supplied.

Features
Approx. delivered size: 5-10cm
Maximum size: 50cm (large)
Origin: South America
Ideal number kept together: 2+

Water conditions
pH: 6.0–8.0
Hardness: 5-20 dGH
Temperature: 25–30 °C

Ease of care
Moderate. They are a hardy territorial Cichlid, aggressive, and will grow very large.

Diet
Carnivorous - will feed on bloodworm, crustaceans, insects (and small fish!) They can have anything from flake, granules, live and frozen food. The live food will help with colouration. They will also eat other fish, so exercise caution with tankmates. Captive oscars generally eat fish food designed for large carnivorous fish.

Compatibility
House with similar-sized passive species.

Breeding
Egg layers, known to be protective of their brood. Pairs are known to select and clean generally flattened horizontal or vertical surfaces on which to lay their 1,000 to 3,000 eggs.

Life span
They will typically live for over 10 years in perfect conditions.

For more information on general fishkeeping and our shipping procedures click here.