Oscar Cichlid
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Tylwyth_Eldar" title="User:Tylwyth Eldar">Tylwyth Eldar</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, 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 SpeciesOther large South American Cichlids (e.g., Green Terror, Jack Dempsey), Large Plecos, Silver Dollars, Arowana, Large Catfish (e.g., Pictus Catfish)
Description
The Oscar Cichlid is a large, intelligent, and popular freshwater fish known for its distinctive patterns and interactive personality. Native to South America, they are robust cichlids that require significant tank space and robust filtration due to their size and waste production.
