Oscar Cichlid
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:KannanVM" title="User:KannanVM">KannanVM</a> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
NameOscar Cichlid
Scientific NameAstronotus ocellatus
Common NamesOscar, Tiger Oscar, Velvet Cichlid, Marble Cichlid
FamilyCichlidae
OriginSouth America, Amazon Basin, Orinoco 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, Arowanas, Green Terrors, Jack Dempseys, Firemouth Cichlids, Silver Dollars
Description
The Oscar Cichlid is a large, intelligent, and popular freshwater fish known for its striking patterns and interactive personality. They are robust fish that require a spacious aquarium and excellent filtration due to their messy eating habits. Oscars can be semi-aggressive, especially towards smaller tankmates, and are best kept with similarly sized, robust fish.
