Oscar Cichlid
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Svik" title="User:Svik">Svilen Enev</a> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
NameOscar Cichlid
Scientific NameAstronotus ocellatus
Common NamesOscar, Tiger Oscar, Velvet Cichlid, Marble Cichlid
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)74-80
pH Range6.0-7.5
Compatible SpeciesLarge Pleco species, Arowana, Green Terror, Jack Dempsey, Firemouth Cichlid, Silver Dollar, Convict Cichlid
Description
The Oscar Cichlid is a large, intelligent, and popular freshwater fish known for its distinctive patterns and interactive personality. Native to the Amazon Basin, they can grow quite large and require a spacious aquarium. Oscars are known to be messy eaters and produce a significant bioload, necessitating robust filtration.
