The Tropical Tank Homepage
Article Library Fish Index Tank Setups Forum Links
 
Fish Index:
Anabantids
Catfish
Characins
Cichlids
Cypriniformes
Livebearers
Rainbowfish
Misc FW
Brackish
Shrimp
A-Z list by
Common name
A-Z list by
Scientific name
 

What's New:

What's New in the Fish Index

Three new Puffer profiles.

All Updates

 
Site Map
Email
About this site
 
Find The Tropical Tank on Facebook Follow The Tropical Tank on Twitter
 
 


Oscar



Adult Oscar

Photo taken at Wharf Aquatics
© Sean Evans

Common name:Oscar, Tiger oscar, Red tiger oscar, Velvet cichlid
Scientific name:Astronotus ocellatus
Synonyms:(none)
Size:12" (30cm) or more.
Origin:South America
Tank setup:A large tank (see below), with plenty of open space and robust decor. Ensure that heaters are protected from breakage.
Compatibility:Not for the community tank! Small fishes will be eaten. Robust tankmates should be chosen with care.
Temperature:23-28oC (73-82oF)
Water chemistry:Not critical: around neutral pH (6.5-7.5), soft to fairly hard.
Feeding:Carnivorous: cichlid sticks/pellets and meaty foods like mussel, prawn and baitfish.
Sexing:No obvious differences. Pairs are usually obtained by allowing one to form naturally from a group of juveniles.
Breeding:A large number of eggs are laid on a pre-cleaned surface. The eggs and fry are tended by both parents.
Comments: The attractive colouration of juveniles makes them very popular, but this fish grows very large, and a single adult is likely to require a tank of around 50 gallons (225 L) minimum eventually. A pair will require a tank of around 80 gallons (360 L) or larger. They are enthusiastic and messy feeders, so a good filtration system is essential. Oscars are considered one of the ultimate 'pet' fish, due to their obvious intelligence and personality - almost every long-term oscar owner has a story to tell about the antics of their 'pet'!

 

Malawi Cichlids Tanganyika Cichlids Dwarf Cichlids American Cichlids

 

 

Google
 

[Home] [Article Library] [Fish Index] [Tank Setups] [Forum] [Site Map]

 
 

The Tropical Tank Copyright © 2000-2022 Sean Evans This website was last updated on 20th November 2022