Oscar Cichlid
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Bjoertvedt" title="User:Bjoertvedt">Bjoertvedt</a> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
NameOscar Cichlid
Scientific NameAstronotus ocellatus
Common NamesOscar, Velvet Cichlid, Marble Cichlid
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)74-81
pH Range6.0-7.5
Compatible SpeciesLarge Plecos, Arowana, Green Terror Cichlid, Jaguar Cichlid, Firemouth Cichlid, Silver Dollar
Description
The Oscar Cichlid is a large, intelligent, and popular freshwater fish known for its distinctive patterns and interactive personality. Native to South America, they require a spacious aquarium with robust filtration due to their size and significant waste production. Oscars can be territorial and are best kept with similarly sized, robust tankmates.
