Tiger Oscar
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:George_Chernilevsky" title="User:George Chernilevsky">George Chernilevsky</a> (Public domain)
NameTiger Oscar
Scientific NameAstronotus ocellatus
Common NamesOscar Cichlid, 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 SpeciesGreen Terror, Jack Dempsey, Large Plecos, Silver Dollars, Arowana (in very large tanks)
Description
The Tiger Oscar is a large, intelligent cichlid known for its distinctive patterns and interactive personality. They are popular aquarium fish but require significant tank space and robust filtration due to their size and waste production. Oscars can be territorial, especially when breeding, and are best kept with similarly sized, robust tankmates.
