Oscar Cichlid
Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/65695019@N07">Bernard DUPONT</a> from FRANCE (CC BY-SA 2.0)
NameOscar Cichlid
Scientific NameAstronotus ocellatus
Common NamesOscar, Marble Cichlid, Velvet Cichlid, Tiger Oscar
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)74-80
pH Range6.0-7.5
Compatible SpeciesGreen Terror, Jack Dempsey, Large Plecos, Silver Dollars, Arowana (in very large tanks)
Description
The Oscar Cichlid is a large, intelligent, and highly interactive South American cichlid known for its distinctive patterns and engaging personality. They are popular aquarium fish but require significant space and robust filtration due to their size and waste production. Oscars can be territorial and aggressive, especially towards smaller tankmates.
