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Oscar
IntermediateAstronotus ocellatus
A large cichlid that bonds like a dog. Charming begging behavior makes it the representative pet fish.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Temperature
22〜28℃
Lifespan
10-15 years
Size
25-35cm
Diet
Artificial feed, Frozen food, Live food
About
The oscar (Astronotus ocellatus) is a large cichlid native to the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems of South America. Adults commonly reach 25–35 cm. Perhaps no freshwater fish rivals the oscar in terms of interactive personality: it recognizes its keeper, begs for food with vigorous swimming displays, and can be hand-fed — earning it the nickname 'the dog of the fish world.' Base coloration is a dramatic tiger pattern of orange and black, with popular variants including red oscar, tiger oscar, and albino oscar. A minimum 90-cm tank is required to accommodate their adult size and produce adequate water volume, with powerful filtration to manage substantial waste output. Omnivorous with carnivorous tendencies, oscars accept cichlid pellets, frozen foods, and live prey; a varied diet prevents the malnutrition associated with exclusive live-food feeding. Their cichlid temperament becomes more pronounced with age, making community keeping progressively difficult. During breeding, pairs select and clean flat surfaces, lay hundreds of eggs, and defend fry with remarkable intensity. With lifespans of 10–15 years, they represent a serious long-term commitment.
Basic Info
Origin
Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems, South America
Lifespan
10-15 years
Size
25-35cm
Temperature
22〜28℃
Diet
Artificial feed, Frozen food, Live food
Care Guide
Housing
Care Specifications
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: br-choku editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Astronotus ocellatus (Agassiz, 1831)
Synonyms: Acara compressus Cope, 1872, Acara hyposticta Cope, 1878, Acara ocellatus (Agassiz, 1831), Astronotus ocellatus ocellatus, Astronotus ocellatus zebra Pellegrin, 1904, Astronotus orbiculatus Haseman, 1911
Authority databases: FishBase · GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not CITES-listed
Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish / CITES Appendices (Checklist)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Oscar Listings
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