Freshwater
Cichlid
More details
Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus)
Pro
Pro
Description
Oscars are intelligent, expressive, and robust South American cichlids known for their interactive behavior and striking patterns. Their personality and size make them a favorite among hobbyists with large, single-specimen or predator tanks.
Difficulty Level
Intermediate Care
Region
Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Hardy and adaptable, but needs space, powerful filtration, and regular maintenance to stay healthy.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Widespread captive breeding has reduced wild collection. Some albino and tiger morphs are selectively bred in farms.
Origin
Native to slow-flowing rivers and floodplains across the Amazon Basin, especially in Peru, Colombia, Brazil, and surrounding regions.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Typically dark-bodied with orange-red blotches or patterns. Variants include Albino, Tiger, Red, and Lemon Oscars. Known for expressive eyes, food recognition, and rearranging tank décor.
Purpose
Acts as a show fish or wet pet—Oscars develop unique personalities and recognize their keepers. Best for single-fish displays, cichlid predator tanks, or educational setups.
Importance
Long-lived and highly intelligent. Oscars display complex behaviors, making them ideal for keepers who want an interactive fish that goes beyond aesthetic appeal.
Included Resources
Requires strong canister or sump filtration, heater, and a minimum 75–100 gallon tank. Décor should be secure or Oscar-proof. Weekly water changes are crucial.
Best Use Cases
Best for large, predator-safe community tanks, cichlid-only setups, or solo displays. Can cohabit with similarly sized South American cichlids if raised together.
Conservation Context
Wild populations remain stable, but habitat degradation in the Amazon (from logging and gold mining) poses future threats. Support farm-raised stock to reduce wild strain demand.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Silver dollars
• Large plecos (Pterygoplichthys, Hypostomus)
• Severums, Jack Dempseys
• Avoid small, slow, or delicate tank mates (will be eaten or bullied)
Region (A)
• Latitude: -3.7491° S
• Longitude: -73.2538° W
(Iquitos, Peru – Amazon headwaters)
Region (B)
• Latitude: -2.1631° S
• Longitude: -55.1266° W
(Santarém, Brazil – Amazon River confluence)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Hardy and adaptable, but needs space, powerful filtration, and regular maintenance to stay healthy.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Widespread captive breeding has reduced wild collection. Some albino and tiger morphs are selectively bred in farms.
Origin
Native to slow-flowing rivers and floodplains across the Amazon Basin, especially in Peru, Colombia, Brazil, and surrounding regions.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Typically dark-bodied with orange-red blotches or patterns. Variants include Albino, Tiger, Red, and Lemon Oscars. Known for expressive eyes, food recognition, and rearranging tank décor.
Purpose
Acts as a show fish or wet pet—Oscars develop unique personalities and recognize their keepers. Best for single-fish displays, cichlid predator tanks, or educational setups.
Importance
Long-lived and highly intelligent. Oscars display complex behaviors, making them ideal for keepers who want an interactive fish that goes beyond aesthetic appeal.
Included Resources
Requires strong canister or sump filtration, heater, and a minimum 75–100 gallon tank. Décor should be secure or Oscar-proof. Weekly water changes are crucial.
Best Use Cases
Best for large, predator-safe community tanks, cichlid-only setups, or solo displays. Can cohabit with similarly sized South American cichlids if raised together.
Conservation Context
Wild populations remain stable, but habitat degradation in the Amazon (from logging and gold mining) poses future threats. Support farm-raised stock to reduce wild strain demand.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Silver dollars
• Large plecos (Pterygoplichthys, Hypostomus)
• Severums, Jack Dempseys
• Avoid small, slow, or delicate tank mates (will be eaten or bullied)
Region (A)
• Latitude: -3.7491° S
• Longitude: -73.2538° W
(Iquitos, Peru – Amazon headwaters)
Region (B)
• Latitude: -2.1631° S
• Longitude: -55.1266° W
(Santarém, Brazil – Amazon River confluence)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Hardy and adaptable, but needs space, powerful filtration, and regular maintenance to stay healthy.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Widespread captive breeding has reduced wild collection. Some albino and tiger morphs are selectively bred in farms.
Origin
Native to slow-flowing rivers and floodplains across the Amazon Basin, especially in Peru, Colombia, Brazil, and surrounding regions.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Typically dark-bodied with orange-red blotches or patterns. Variants include Albino, Tiger, Red, and Lemon Oscars. Known for expressive eyes, food recognition, and rearranging tank décor.
Purpose
Acts as a show fish or wet pet—Oscars develop unique personalities and recognize their keepers. Best for single-fish displays, cichlid predator tanks, or educational setups.
Importance
Long-lived and highly intelligent. Oscars display complex behaviors, making them ideal for keepers who want an interactive fish that goes beyond aesthetic appeal.
Included Resources
Requires strong canister or sump filtration, heater, and a minimum 75–100 gallon tank. Décor should be secure or Oscar-proof. Weekly water changes are crucial.
Best Use Cases
Best for large, predator-safe community tanks, cichlid-only setups, or solo displays. Can cohabit with similarly sized South American cichlids if raised together.
Conservation Context
Wild populations remain stable, but habitat degradation in the Amazon (from logging and gold mining) poses future threats. Support farm-raised stock to reduce wild strain demand.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Silver dollars
• Large plecos (Pterygoplichthys, Hypostomus)
• Severums, Jack Dempseys
• Avoid small, slow, or delicate tank mates (will be eaten or bullied)
Region (A)
• Latitude: -3.7491° S
• Longitude: -73.2538° W
(Iquitos, Peru – Amazon headwaters)
Region (B)
• Latitude: -2.1631° S
• Longitude: -55.1266° W
(Santarém, Brazil – Amazon River confluence)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus)
Region
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