Oscars make for comical and wonderful pet fish.
Oscars are definitely not for beginners, but for the experienced fishkeeper they can become quite tame to humans although they can be aggressive to other fish.
A minimum of a 120cm long / 240 litre aquarium is required for these (not more than 2x) fish. A powerful, oversized external canister filter (with a built-in heater if possible) is required too as these fish are very messy.
A sandy substrate works best (the detritus collects on it, not in it like it does with gravel) with some large rocks and pieces of driftwood. Oscars are likely to ruin real and artificial plants, so they are best avoided. A robust heater is required to, these fish have been known to ‘play’ with them.
Growing up to 30cm in length, they can be kept singly or in small groups within most medium and large-sized fish community and cichlid tanks.
Will become territorial and aggressive if they start breeding.
Feed a mix of cichlid pellets, and frozen tropical foods.
Common name(s):
Oscar.
Scientific name:
Astronostus ocellatus.
Family:
Cichlidae.
Colour:
Black and red.
Native habitat:
This strain is not found in the wild but selectively bred for the hobby.
Normally found in shallow, slow moving water in the Amazon Basin.
Potential lifespan:
Up to 13 years.
Maximum size (approx.):
33cm.
Degree of difficulty to keep:
For more experienced fishkeepers.
Swimming level:
Mid-water.
Bottom / deep areas.
Breeding:
Egg layer.
Sex:
Difficult to tell.
Temperature:
22-25°c.
Water parameters:
pH 6.0 to 8.0.
Hardness up to 25°dGH.
Feeding:
Carnivorous.
A mix of cichlid pellets, and frozen tropical foods including Lancefish, Bloodworm, Tubifex, and Brine shrimp.
Earthworms are great for a treat.
Minimum aquarium size:
120cm long.
240 litres, preferably larger as they get bigger.
Cohabitation:
Can be kept either singly or in small groups if the aquarium is large enough.
Will be aggressive and territorial when breeding.
Suitable to keep with other fish of similar temperament such as Geophagus, Parrot fish and Green Terrors.
Can also be kept with some medium/large community fish that are too big to fit in their mouth, but they must be introduced to the aquarium first.
Other tips and information:
Excellent filtration is required. It is best to use an oversized external canister filter.
Maintain good water quality with plenty of regular water changes.
Keep nitrate levels low, under 30ppm.
Oscars make for comical and wonderful pet fish.
Oscars are definitely not for beginners, but for the experienced fishkeeper they can become quite tame to humans although they can be aggressive to other fish.
A minimum of a 120cm long / 240 litre aquarium is required for these (not more than 2x) fish. A powerful, oversized external canister filter (with a built-in heater if possible) is required too as these fish are very messy.
A sandy substrate works best (the detritus collects on it, not in it like it does with gravel) with some large rocks and pieces of driftwood. Oscars are likely to ruin real and artificial plants, so they are best avoided. A robust heater is required to, these fish have been known to ‘play’ with them.
Growing up to 30cm in length, they can be kept singly or in small groups within most medium and large-sized fish community and cichlid tanks.
Will become territorial and aggressive if they start breeding.
Feed a mix of cichlid pellets, and frozen tropical foods.
Common name(s):
Oscar.
Scientific name:
Astronostus ocellatus.
Family:
Cichlidae.
Colour:
Black and red.
Native habitat:
This strain is not found in the wild but selectively bred for the hobby.
Normally found in shallow, slow moving water in the Amazon Basin.
Potential lifespan:
Up to 13 years.
Maximum size (approx.):
33cm.
Degree of difficulty to keep:
For more experienced fishkeepers.
Swimming level:
Mid-water.
Bottom / deep areas.
Breeding:
Egg layer.
Sex:
Difficult to tell.
Temperature:
22-25°c.
Water parameters:
pH 6.0 to 8.0.
Hardness up to 25°dGH.
Feeding:
Carnivorous.
A mix of cichlid pellets, and frozen tropical foods including Lancefish, Bloodworm, Tubifex, and Brine shrimp.
Earthworms are great for a treat.
Minimum aquarium size:
120cm long.
240 litres, preferably larger as they get bigger.
Cohabitation:
Can be kept either singly or in small groups if the aquarium is large enough.
Will be aggressive and territorial when breeding.
Suitable to keep with other fish of similar temperament such as Geophagus, Parrot fish and Green Terrors.
Can also be kept with some medium/large community fish that are too big to fit in their mouth, but they must be introduced to the aquarium first.
Other tips and information:
Excellent filtration is required. It is best to use an oversized external canister filter.
Maintain good water quality with plenty of regular water changes.
Keep nitrate levels low, under 30ppm.
