Oscar Cichlid
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Cl%C3%A9ment_Bardot" title="User:Clément Bardot">Clément Bardot</a> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
NameOscar Cichlid
Scientific NameAstronotus ocellatus
Common NamesOscar Fish, Marble Cichlid, Velvet Cichlid
FamilyCichlidae
OriginSouth America, Amazon Basin, Orinoco River, Paraná River
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 SpeciesGreen Terror Cichlid, Jack Dempsey Cichlid, Convict Cichlid, Plecostomus, Large Silver Dollars, Firemouth Cichlid
Description
The Oscar Cichlid is a large, intelligent, and popular freshwater fish known for its distinctive patterns and engaging personality. They are native to the Amazon Basin and can grow quite large, requiring a spacious aquarium. Oscars are known to be messy eaters and produce a significant amount of waste, necessitating robust filtration.
