Fish Profiles: Oscar Cichlids | Real Aquatics

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Fish Profiles: 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.

The Oscar Cichlid is a captivating fish species native to the tropical waters of South America. Common oscar's sport a striking marbled-orange coloration, but there are also solid red and albino varieties. The Oscars' personality and vibrant presence undeniably make them a fascinating fish to keep, albeit one that demands commitment and careful maintenance.

Oscars can grow up to 12-14 inches in length, making them a standout addition to any aquarium. Oscar cichlids are famed for their intelligence and interactive behavior, often recognizing their owners and even performing tricks. However, they require significant care, needing large tanks of at least 250 litres due to their potential size and their aggressive nature, which can make them unsuitable for community tanks with smaller, more peaceful fish.

Like most cichlids it is considered aggressive, and will eat virtually anything it can fit in its mouth, so do not house them with small fish. Care must be taken to house with similar-sized species able to tolerate the aggression and hunger of the Oscar. You can keep a solitary oscar in a large fish tank, or pair it wiith similarly large species, such as parrot fish or gourami.

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.

Features
Average purchase size: 5-10cm
Maximum size: 50cm (large)
Origin: South America
Family: Cichlidae
Temperament: Aggressive and hungry
Ideal number kept together: 2+

Water conditions
Ideal pH: 6.0–8.0
Recommended hardness: 5-20 dGH
Ideal temperature: 25–30 °C

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

Diet
Carnivorous - Oscars will feed on bloodworm, crustaceans, insects and small fish. In an aquarium, you can feed a variety of food including flake, granules, live and frozen food - live food will help with colouration. Captive oscars generally eat fish food designed for large carnivorous fish.

Compatibility
Oscars are quite territorial and will eat smaller fish. House with similar-sized passive species.

Breeding
Oscar cichlids are 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
Oscar cichlids can live for over 10 years in perfect aquarium conditions.