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 Cichlid, Oscar Fish, Tiger Oscar, Velvet Cichlid, Marble Cichlid
FamilyCichlidae
OriginSouth America, Amazon Basin, Orinoco River Basin, Paraná River Basin
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 SpeciesLarge Plecos, Silver Dollar, Green Terror Cichlid, Jack Dempsey Cichlid, Arowana (in very large tanks), Large Synodontis Catfish
Description
The Oscar Cichlid is a large, intelligent, and highly interactive freshwater fish known for its striking patterns and engaging personality. Native to South America, they require spacious aquariums with robust filtration due to their size and waste production. They can be territorial and aggressive, especially when breeding.
