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Red Oscar

Astronotus Ocellatus

Oscars are one of the most popular aquarium fish around. The Red Oscar tends to be a lovely hue of red-brown with darker, mottled markings across this, reminiscent of a tiger’s markings. There is a single spot of black on the tail surrounded by a bright red ring. They are fast growing, seem to have their own personalities and can become tame. There are a number of varieties of Oscars available. The colours vary from hybrid to hybrid, and also with age. As with many other cichlids, these fish get BIG. They will require room to grow, and lots of space to swim.

The only form of plant that seems to be able to co-exit with this fish are floating plants. All plants placed in the substrate will be torn up while the fish digs. Any rocks in the aquarium must be of considerable size, or locked together somehow if you want to prevent the fish from re-arranging them. The fish dig in the gravel a lot, especially around spawning time, when they will clear an area for laying and fertilizing their eggs. Once the eggs are laid, the parents will guard them aggressively. After hatching, they will move the eggs to a shallow pit they have prepared in the gravel. A mature fish may look very different to when it was young. The flanks of the fish may be dark brown, blueish, black or even olive. After substantial inbreeding over the years, the fish can often become susceptible to ‘hole in the head’ disease as they grow older.

Oscars are carnivores, and require a meat-protein based diet. Small piece of Ox-heart, small fish, insect larvae and earthworms are the best. Pellets can be used, but they must be supplemented. Because of their appetite, and the nature of their food, the tank must have excellent filtration

Approximate Purchase Size: Medium 4cm - 6cm

Due to variations within each species, your aquatic life may not look identical to the image provided.