Red Oscar – Astronotus Ocellatus
Red Oscar – Astronotus Ocellatus is a beautiful tropical fish with a larger size and temperament. Males are usually larger and are more colorful. Venting is the only reliable way to determine sexing the gender with Oscars.
Oscars are thought to be a very intelligent and outgoing species of the Cichlid species. These freshwater fish can often tell the difference between their owners and other people around. They have even been known to be docile enough to pet after a feeding.
A very entertaining fish to watch.
More About Red Oscars:
Common Name: Red Oscar, Oscar
Scientific Name: Astronotus Ocellatus
Size: 12 – 14 inches / 30.5 cm – 35.5 cm
Natural Habitat: Oscars are native to Brazil, French Guinea, Columbia, and Peru and occur frequently in the Amazon River and surrounding basins.
Ideal Tank: A mostly open aquarium with some rock work. Large, well rooted plants like Giant Vallisneria, if kept protected by heavy rock work, will also work.
Aquarium Size: 55 gallon / 210 litre for one fish; 75 gallon / 300 litre or larger for a pair
Tank Mates: Passive to mildly aggressive. Best kept with other fish that are similar in size. Oscars will eat any fish that will fit in their mouth!
Care Level: Beginner+
Aquarium Water Temperature: 72 – 80 Deg. F / 22 – 27 Deg. C
Aquarium Water pH: Range: 6.8 – 7.6 with ideal being 7.2
What Do I Feed My Red Oscar – Astronotus Ocellatus?
- Flaked
- Frozen
- Pelleted food when smaller larger pellets when larger
- Live fish, but this is not the best diet for them as diseases are introduced when live feeder fish is used as food
Diets for oscars can be supplemented with:
- Krill
- Freeze dried shrimp
- Blood worms
- Vegetables like peas, lettuce, cucumber, zucchini
- Varied diets for pet fish is best
Other Considerations: Oscars are messy fish with large appetites. Adequate filtration and frequent water changes are very important part of keeping this fish healthy, especially if you are breeding. Oscars like to play in the aquarium by moving rocks or plants around stirring up the bottom. This is another important reason why good filtration, maintenance and water changes are necessary.