Oscar Cichlid
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Irvin_calicut" title="User:Irvin calicut">Irvin calicut</a> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
NameOscar Cichlid
Scientific NameAstronotus ocellatus
Common NamesOscar Cichlid, Oscar Fish, Velvet Cichlid, Marble Cichlid, Tiger Oscar, Red Oscar
FamilyCichlidae
OriginSouth America, Amazon Basin
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 SpeciesGreen Terror Cichlid, Jack Dempsey Cichlid, Large Plecos, Synodontis Catfish, Arowana
Description
The Oscar Cichlid is a large, intelligent, and charismatic freshwater fish known for its distinctive eye-spot on the caudal fin and variable coloration. They are popular but require significant tank space and robust filtration due to their size and messy eating habits.
