Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus · Cichlidae
Also known as Tiger oscar, Velvet cichlid
Intermediate
A 35 cm intelligent wet pet with a huge appetite and matching filtration demands.
In short: An oscar needs at least 450 L (119 US gal), water at 24–30 °C (75–86 °F) and pH 6–8. It is aggressive, usually kept singly, and rated intermediate to keep.
Updated
- Minimum tank
- 450 L (119 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–30 °C (75–86 °F)
- pH
- 6–8
- Adult size
- 35 cm (13.8 in)
- Group size
- 1+
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 450 L (119 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–30 °C (75–86 °F)
- pH
- 6–8
- Hardness
- 4–20 dGH
- Lifespan
- 10–18 years
- Diet
- Carnivore — large pellets, mussel, prawn; never feeder fish.
- Care level
- Intermediate
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Amazon and Orinoco basins
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Biotope
- Slow, silty backwaters with sunken wood
- Natural conditions
- Warm, soft to medium, slow-moving water.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Aggressive
- Minimum group
- 1 fish
- Swims
- All levels
- Good tank mates
- Large plecosSilver dollarSimilar-sized robust cichlids
- Avoid
- Anything it can swallowDelicate plantsSmall catfish
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Intermediate
- Sexing
- Externally almost identical; venting is the reliable method.
- Notes
- Flat-rock spawner; pairs need a very large tank to themselves.
- Common ailments
- Hole-in-the-headBloatPoor water from heavy feeding
Will it fit your tank?
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