Orinoco Oscar
Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/12589168@N00">Alex Popovkin, Bahia, Brazil</a> from Brazil (CC BY 2.0)
NameOrinoco Oscar
Scientific NameAstronotus crassipinnis
Common NamesOrinoco Oscar, Crassipinnis Oscar
FamilyCichlidae
OriginSouth America, Orinoco Basin
Temperamentaggressive
Dietcarnivore
Care Levelintermediate
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)75
Max Size (Inches)14
Water TypeFreshwater
Temperature Range (°F)74-80
pH Range6.0-7.5
Compatible SpeciesOther large Oscars (in very large tanks), Green Terror Cichlid, Jack Dempsey Cichlid, Large Plecos, Arowana (in very large tanks)
Description
The Orinoco Oscar is a large, predatory cichlid native to the Orinoco River basin in South America. Known for its robust body and often dark coloration with orange markings, it is a powerful and intelligent fish that requires a spacious aquarium. This species is similar to the more common Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus) but typically found in a different geographic range.
