Oscar
(Astronotus ocellatus)

Descrição

Oscar Cichlid: The Charismatic “Water Puppy” for Your Tank!

Bring an intelligent and interactive personality to your large aquarium. The Oscar Cichlid, known for its captivating behaviour, offers a truly rewarding fishkeeping experience.

Overview
The Oscar Cichlid (*Astronotus ocellatus*) is a large, striking South American cichlid revered for its intelligence and engaging personality, often earning it the nickname “water puppy”. They display a range of colours, from the classic black and orange ‘Tiger’ patterns to red and albino variants. Oscars are highly interactive, often recognising their owners and even begging for food. Be prepared for them to rearrange your tank decor to their liking, showcasing their strong individual character.

Care Level
Moderate. Oscars are remarkably hardy fish, but their large size and significant bioload necessitate dedicated care. They possess a semi-aggressive temperament and are territorial, particularly during breeding. Compatibility requires careful selection; avoid small tank mates, as Oscars will readily consume anything that fits into their mouth. They thrive best with other large, robust, and relatively peaceful species.

Tank Essentials
A single Oscar requires a minimum tank size of 280 litres (75 US gallons), with 350 litres (90-100 US gallons) recommended for two, to ensure ample swimming space and water volume. Excellent, robust filtration is critical to manage their considerable waste production. Provide sturdy, smooth decorations and a soft substrate like sand or fine gravel, as they enjoy digging and rearranging. Maintain tropical temperatures between 23-27°C and a pH range of 6.0-8.0.

Diet
Oscars are omnivores with a strong preference for meaty foods. A high-quality cichlid pellet should form the staple of their diet. Supplement this with various frozen or live foods such as krill, shrimp, mealworms, and earthworms. Occasional vegetable matter can also be offered. Avoid feeding feeder fish due to potential disease transmission and nutritional deficiencies.

Why Buy From Us
When you buy Oscar online from us, you choose quality. We ensure all our fish are healthy, ethically sourced, and undergo rigorous checks before shipping. Our commitment to responsible fishkeeping means you receive vibrant, robust specimens ready to thrive in your carefully prepared aquarium.

• Scientific Name: *Astronotus ocellatus*
• Common Name / Variant: Oscar
• Maximum Size: 30cm
• Origin: South America (Amazon and Orinoco River Basins)
• pH Range: 6.0–8.0
• Temperature: 23–27°C
• Lifespan: 10–15 years
• Swimming Zone: All Zones

Add this captivating Oscar Cichlid to your aquarium today!