Oscar Cichlid
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Greg5030" title="User:Greg5030">Greg Hume</a> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
NameOscar Cichlid
Scientific NameAstronotus ocellatus
Common NamesOscar, Velvet Cichlid, Marble 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)74-81
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 caudal fin and varied color patterns. They are popular aquarium fish due to their interactive personalities and can grow quite large, requiring significant tank space and robust filtration. Oscars are predatory and can be territorial, especially when breeding.
