Oscar(Astronotus Ocellatus)

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Oscar fish was formally described in 1831 as Lobotes Ocellatus by Jean Loius Rodolphe Agassiz was a swiss-born American biologist and geologist. He believed its marine specimen collected in the Atlantic ocean. Current taxonomic placement of Oscar is in the south American Cichlid genus Astronotus. Astronotus is derived from the Greek words "Astra" meaning ray & "noton" meaning back. Occellatus is Latin for spotted, referring to the spotted pattern on the body of this fish. Astronotus Ocellatus as originally described appears to be restricted to Peru and Brazil.

Oscar is a south American Cichlid native to Peru, Ecuador, Amazon, Brazil, French Guiana, & Amazon river basin. The species typically occurs in slow moving white water habitats and has been observed sheltering under submerged branches.

The Oscar fish also known as water dog for its ability to interact with humans.

Quick Stats

Care level - Moderate

Temperament - Aggressive

Diet - Carnivorous, Dry foods are recommended. Little shrimps , Fresh blood worms can be served as treats

Water condition - 23.0-26.5 c , pH - 6-7, Soft water

Max size - 18 inches

Life Span - 12-14years in aquarium ( maturity in 3-3.5 years)

Filtration - High (top filter/sump/canister according to tank size)

Food habit - Dry pellets, Shrimps, Flakes food

Practical Fish Keeping

Oscar needs giants tank for healthy life span. Minimum tank size 3 ft. for a single Oscar fish. Aquarium can be bare bottom or little gravel substrate setup with some wood branches and lots of open water spaces. A 5 ft or higher tank can be suitable for a group of 5 Oscars. Plants are not recommended. high aeration system needed. water change schedule 30% mandatory in every week. As a tropical fish temperature fluctuation or lower temperature can be harmful so Thermostat mandatory in winter season at constant temperature 28 c.

Oscar needs high protein diet & vitamin C rich food for healthy life. De worming needed occasionally.

Tank mates

There are verity of Oscar species now in fish hobby like Tiger Oscar, Albino Tiger Oscar, Copper Red Oscar, Mango Oscar, Fire Red Oscar. Can live with pleco , Leopard catfish, Bichir, Giant gourami,

Keep in mind that a 2 or 3 ft aquarium is not ideal to keep Oscars.

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