Oscar Cichlid
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Vdkdaan" title="User:Vdkdaan">Vdkdaan</a> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
NameOscar Cichlid
Scientific NameAstronotus ocellatus
Common NamesOscar Cichlid, Oscar Fish, Marble Cichlid, Velvet Cichlid, Tiger Oscar, Pauwoogciclide
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 SpeciesLarge Plecos, Green Terror Cichlid, Jack Dempsey Cichlid, Silver Dollar, Arowana (in very large tanks)
Description
The Oscar Cichlid is a large, intelligent, and popular freshwater fish known for its distinctive eye-spot pattern on its caudal fin. They are active and can be very interactive with their owners, often recognizing them and begging for food. Due to their size and messy nature, they require a spacious aquarium with robust filtration.
