Oscar Cichlid
Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.inaturalist.org/users/1876348">Diogo Luiz</a> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
NameOscar Cichlid
Scientific NameAstronotus ocellatus
Common NamesOscar, Velvet Cichlid, Marble Cichlid, Tiger Oscar
FamilyCichlidae
OriginSouth America, Amazon River Basin, Orinoco River Basin, French Guiana
Temperamentsemi-aggressive
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 SpeciesLarge Plecos, Silver Dollars, Green Terror Cichlid, Jack Dempsey Cichlid, Firemouth Cichlid
Description
The Oscar Cichlid is a large, intelligent, and popular freshwater fish known for its distinctive eye-spot on the caudal fin and varied color patterns. They are highly interactive with their owners but require a substantial tank due to their adult size and significant waste production. Oscars can be territorial and aggressive, especially towards smaller fish.
