Oscar Cichlid
Image: Jón Helgi Jónsson (<a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Amything" title="User:Amything">Amything</a>) (CC BY-SA 3.0)
NameOscar Cichlid
Scientific NameAstronotus ocellatus
Common NamesOscar, Velvet Cichlid, Marble Cichlid, Tiger Oscar
FamilyCichlidae
OriginSouth America, Amazon Basin, Orinoco River Basin, French Guiana
Temperamentaggressive
Dietomnivore
Care Levelintermediate
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)75
Max Size (Inches)14
Water TypeFreshwater
Temperature Range (°F)72-82
pH Range6.0-7.5
Compatible SpeciesGreen Terror Cichlid, Jack Dempsey Cichlid, Convict Cichlid, Large Plecostomus, Silver Dollar, Arowana
Description
The Oscar Cichlid is a large, intelligent, and popular South American cichlid known for its striking patterns and interactive personality. They are robust fish that require spacious aquariums and powerful filtration due to their size and significant waste production. Oscars can be quite aggressive, especially towards smaller fish, and are best kept with similarly sized and tempered tankmates.
