Oscar Cichlid
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Gpkp" title="User:Gpkp">Gpkp</a> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
NameOscar Cichlid
Scientific NameAstronotus ocellatus
Common NamesOscar, Tiger Oscar, Marble Cichlid, Velvet Cichlid
FamilyCichlidae
OriginSouth America, Amazon Basin, Orinoco River Basin, Paraná River Basin
Temperamentsemi-aggressive
Dietcarnivore
Care Levelintermediate
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)75
Max Size (Inches)14
Water TypeFreshwater
Temperature Range (°F)74-81
pH Range6.0-7.5
Compatible SpeciesLarge Plecos, Silver Dollars, Arowana, Green Terror Cichlid, Jack Dempsey Cichlid
Description
The Oscar Cichlid is a large, intelligent, and charismatic South American cichlid known for its striking patterns and interactive personalities. They require spacious aquariums and robust filtration due to their significant size and waste production. While often kept alone, they can be housed with other large, similarly tempered fish.
