Detailed Information about Oscar Cichlid Aquarium Fish

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Brief Overview

The Oscar Cichlid Tropical Aquarium Fish is a large and very aggressive fish. Their cow-patterned orange and black marking stand in excellent contrast and are quite beautiful. Oscar Cichlid Tropical Aquarium Fish are some of the largest commonly housed tropical freshwater fish in the US. These fish are so aggressive that they are likely to eat or at least attack most fish you attempt to house them with. Because of this the only tank mates we are comfortable recommending are the Plecostomus and maybe some large species of Gourami.

To watch a Youtube video of this fish click here.

Detailed Wikipedia Information

Astronotus ocellatus is a species of fish from the cichlid family known under a variety of common names including oscar, tiger oscar, velvet cichlid or marble cichlid. In South America, where the species naturally resides, A. ocellatus are often found for sale as a food fish in the local markets. However, its slow growth limits its potential for aquaculture. The species is also a popular aquarium fish.

Physical description

Oscar Cichlid Tropical Aquarium Fish have been reported to grow into a length of 45 cm (approximately 18 in) and a mass of 1.6 kg (3.5 lb). The wild caught forms of the species are typically darkly coloured with orange ringed-spots or ocelli on the caudal peduncle and on the dorsal fin. It has been suggested that these ocelli function to limit fin-nipping by piranha (Serrasalmus spp.) which co-occur with A. ocellatus in its natural environment.The species is also able to rapidly alter its colouration, a trait which facilitates ritualized territorial and combat behaviours amongst conspecifics. Juvenile A. ocellatus have a different colouration to adults and are striped with white and orange wavy bands and have spotted heads.

Distribution and habitat

The Oscar Cichlid Tropical Aquarium Fish is native to Peru, Colombia, Brazil and French Guiana and occurs in the Amazon river basin, along the Amazonas, Negro, Solimïnes and Ucayali river systems, and also in the Approuague and Oyapock drainages.In its natural environment the species typically occurs in slow moving white-water habitats, and has been observed sheltering under submerged branches. Feral populations also occur in China, northern Australia, and Florida, USA as a by-product of the ornamental fish trade. The species is limited in its distribution by its intolerance of cooler water temperatures, the lower lethal limit for the species is 12.9 degrees C (55.2 degrees F).

In the aquarium

Oscar Cichlid Tropical Aquarium Fish are popular as pets, and are regarded as intelligent by aquarists. Another popular thing is, that they are about as durable as a freshwater fish is that you can buy in a pet store. If starting a new aquarium, wait 24 hours before you put them in your tank. This is in part as they learn to associate their owners with food and are purported to be able to distinguish their owner from strangers.

Despite their large size and predatory nature A. ocellatus are relatively placid aquarium residents best housed with other fishes too large to be considered food items.

Oscar's are known to uproot plants, and move other objects in aquariums and are best maintained in volumes of 200-600 litre (75 or more gallons). A. ocellatus is relatively tolerant of a range of typical aquarium water chemistries, though its large size and messy feeding habits necessitates that efficient filtration be installed on the aquarium. A. ocellatus is undemanding to feed in captivity and will accept a range of foods that include pieces of fish, prepared cichlid foods, and even small household lizards. Oscars may also tend to jump out of an aquarium if the lid isn't supported sufficiently.

Oscar Fishes are known to beg for food when their owners approach the tank. Some owners report being able to feed their fish by hand and even pet their Oscar fish. Be aware, however, that doing so can harm their protective slime barrier.

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