Oscar Fish

About the Fish 

Astronotus ocellatus is a species of fish from the cichlid family known under a variety of common names including oscar, tiger oscar, velvet cichlid, or marble cichlid. In South America, where the species naturally resides, A. ocellatus are often found for sale as a food fish in the local markets. The fish can also be found in other areas including China, Australia, and the United States. Although its slow growth limits its potential for aquaculture, it is considered a popular aquarium fish

Description 

A. ocellatus have been reported to grow to about 45 centimetres (18 in) in length and 1.6 kilograms (3.5 lb) in weight. The wild caught forms of the species are typically darkly coloured with orange ringed-spots or ocelli on the caudal peduncle and on the dorsal fin. It has been suggested that these ocelli function to limit fin-nipping by piranha (Serrasalmus spp.) which co-occur with A. ocellatus in its natural environment. The species is also able to rapidly alter its colouration, a trait which facilitates ritualised territorial and combat behaviours amongst conspecifics.Juvenile A. ocellatus have a different colouration from adults and are striped with white and orange wavy bands and have spotted heads.

  

^Behavior 

Oscars are not very aggressive. Although they can kill other fishes, terrorizing their tank mates is surely not on their agenda. Nevertheless avoid fishes that would easily fit into the mouth of an Oscar. Some real Oscar fish tankmates are Bala Shark, Silver Dollar and Jack Dempsey fish.

^Temperature 

The species is limited in its distribution by its intolerance of cooler water temperatures, the lower lethal limit for the species is 12.9 °C (55.2 °F)

^{Tank Size} 

Fish do not do well if they are kept in poor conditions. If you are planning to keep Oscars then you really must provide them with an aquarium that is set up specifically to cater for their requirements. We always recommend going for the absolute largest tank you can afford,  55 gallons is about the minimum size aquarium if you want to keep one adult Oscar.  75 gallonstank is recommend.

Diet 

Captive oscars may be fed prepared fish food designed for large carnivorous fish, crayfish, worms, and insects such as flies or grasshoppers.Then even eat small mice, crickets are also good live food. Since these fish are found in the wild, fruit can also be used as a type of food. Just about anything that fell into the water would be eaten by Oscars. These fish basically eat anything. Live feeder fish can be given, but fish such as goldfish and rosy red feeder minnows should not be fed. They are typically kept in filthy conditions within the pet store, and will spread disease to oscars