Oscar Cichlid
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Dtarazona" title="User:Dtarazona">Dtarazona</a> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
NameOscar Cichlid
Scientific NameAstronotus ocellatus
Common NamesOscar Cichlid, Oscar Fish, Marble Cichlid, Velvet Cichlid, Acarahuazu
FamilyCichlidae
OriginSouth America, Amazon Basin, Orinoco River Basin, Paraná River Basin, Peru
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, Silver Dollars, Firemouth Cichlids
Description
Oscars are large, intelligent, and popular South American cichlids known for their distinctive eye-spot pattern on their caudal fin. They are highly interactive with their owners and can grow quite large, requiring spacious aquariums and robust filtration. These fish are predatory and can be territorial.
