Oscar Cichlid
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:%D0%94%D0%BE%D0%BA%D1%82%D0%BE%D1%80_%D1%80%D1%83%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%B8" title="User:Доктор рукиноги">Шатилло Г.В.</a> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
NameOscar Cichlid
Scientific NameAstronotus ocellatus
Common NamesOscar Cichlid, Oscar, Velvet Cichlid, Tiger Oscar, Marble Cichlid, Eyed Astronotus
FamilyCichlidae
OriginSouth America, Amazon Basin, Orinoco River, Paraná River
Temperamentsemi-aggressive
Dietomnivore
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, Convict Cichlid, Large Plecos, Silver Dollars, Arowana
Description
The Oscar Cichlid is a large, intelligent South American cichlid known for its distinctive eye-spot pattern near the tail and varied color morphs. They are popular aquarium fish but require spacious tanks and diligent care due to their size, significant waste production, and potential for aggression. Oscars can be quite interactive with their owners and are often considered to have individual personalities.
