Fish Profiles: Oscar Cichlids
Oscar cichlids, also known as Astronotus ocellatus, are freshwater fish of the cichlid family that are native to South America, including Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
Oscars are known for their intelligent personality and attractive, marbled-orange coloring, which makes them an appealing aquarium fish. However, because of their aggressive temperament, they are difficult to house in a community tank and unsuitable for beginners.
Scientific name: Astronotus ocellatus
Common names: Oscar fish, tiger oscar, velvet cichlid, marble cichlid
Distribution: South America, Amazon region
Size: 25-35cm
Order: Cichliformes
Family: Cichlidae
Phylum: Chordata
Life expectancy: 15–20 years
Diet: Omnivore
Temperament: Aggressive and territorial
Minimum aquarium size: 55 gallons / 200 litres
Temperature: 74–81°F (20–28°C)
pH: 6–8
Hardness: 5–20 dGH
Expect to pay in store: £5-25
If you’re interested in keeping Oscar cichlids, it’s important to note that they require a moderate level of care and a minimum tank size of 55 gallons. They are omnivores and require a varied diet of both plant and animal matter. If you’re considering breeding Oscar cichlids, they are egg depositors and require a separate breeding tank.
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Photo credit(s): Canva Pro Licence
