Table of Contents
How Much Do Oscar Fish Cost?
In general, Oscar fish (Astronotus ocellatus) are not considered to be expensive fish. The average price of an Oscar fish is $10 – $45. The cost of Oscar fish can vary depending on their type, size, and rarity. There are certain types of Oscars that can be much more expensive than others, costing well over $100.
Prices can also vary based on the location and availability of the fish, so expect the price to fluctuate from time to time.
Average Oscar Fish Price
The average cost of Oscar fish is $10 – $45, and this price range mainly reflects the price of Tiger Oscars. Tigers Oscars are the most popular type of Oscars by far, and also often referred to as common Oscars. They are the most widely available Oscar types in both pet stores and online retailers.
Of course, there are many other Oscar types such as Albino Oscars, Super Red Oscars, Lemon Oscars, just to name a few. Some of these other types of Oscars can be much more expensive. Considering all popular Oscar varieties and types, the average price of Oscars would be around $33 – $85.
Oscar Fish Price by Type
Oscar fish prices can vary widely depending on the type. Here are the average prices of Oscar fish by type:
| Oscar Fish Type | Average Price |
| Tiger Oscar | $10 – $45 |
| Albino Oscar | $30 – $150 |
| Blue Oscar | $30 – $150 |
| White Oscar (Snow-White Oscar) | $20 – $60 |
| Red Oscar | $10 – $50 |
| Super Red Oscar | $75 – $100 |
| Lemon Oscar | $20 – $80 |
| Black Oscar | $20 – $60 |
| Red Tiger Oscar | $20 – $50 |
| Longfin Oscar (Veil Tail Oscar) | $30 – $120 |
| Short Body Oscar | $85 – $145 |
| Bumblebee Oscar | $45 – $65 |
| Copper Oscar | $25 – $60 |
| Wild Oscar | $15 – $50 |
Please note that these prices are averages and actual prices may vary based on location, size, age, and other factors.
Are Oscar Fish Expensive?
In general, Oscar fish aren’t considered to be particularly expensive fish. However, Some Oscar types such as Albino Oscar, Longfin Oscar, Super Red Oscars, and Short Body Oscars are known to demand a high price. Many of these types can often cost well over $100, depending on the size and quality of the fish.
Oscar Fish Price by Size
In general, smaller Oscar fish are more affordable compared to larger Oscar fish. Here is a chart that shows an estimate of the average price range for Oscar fish of different sizes:
| Oscar Fish Size (in inches) | Average Price Range |
| 2 | $10-$15 |
| 3 | $10-$20 |
| 4 | $10-$20 |
| 5 | $15-$25 |
| 6 | $20-$30 |
| 7 | $25-$40 |
| 8 | $30-$50 |
| 9 | $40-$60 |
| 10 | $50-$80 |
| 11 | $60-$100 |
| 12 | $80-$150 |
The prices mentioned above are approximate and may vary depending on the Oscar type, quality of fish, location, and various other factors.
In addition, while larger Oscars typically demand higher prices, this is only true for younger Oscar fish. In 1-2 years, Oscars reach their full size for the most part. This would be the time that they demand the highest price. Once the fish starts to age, their market value may gradually decline as well.
What is the Price of an Oscar Breeding Pair?
The estimated average cost of an Oscar breeding pair is $200-$500. The price can range depending on the Oscar type, quality of the breeding pair, location, and various other factors. Keep in mind that breeding pairs are not always available, and it may be difficult to obtain one.
What is the Cost to Keep Oscar Fish?
The cost to keep Oscar fish would involve the cost of the initial setup of the Oscar tank and the ongoing maintenance of it. The cost of setting up an Oscar tank is estimated to be $560. The cost to maintain an Oscar tank is estimated to be $37.75 per month or $453 per year.
Setup Cost of Oscar Tank
The cost of setting up an 55-gallon Oscar tank is estimated to be $560, and here’s the breakdown of the cost per item.
- Fish Tank: $200
- Fish Tank Stand: $100
- Aquarium Filter: $50
- Aquarium Heater: $30
- Lights: $30
- Substrate: $20
- Décor: $50
- Water Treatments: $20
- Tools: $10
This is a low-end estimate for the cost of a 55-gallon Oscar tank setup. Depending on the various options you choose, it can be much more expensive. In fact, depending on the options you choose, you can easily spend over $1000 dollars on an Oscar tank.
Maintenance Cost of Oscar Tank
Maintenance cost, or running cost, of an Oscar tank is estimated to be $37.75 per month or $453 per year. Here’s a breakdown of the cost:
- Oscar food: The cost of one pound of high-quality cichlid pellet is estimated to be $20, and it should last approximately a month.
- Electricity: The cost of electricity depends on the wattage of the equipment used in the tank. A 55-gallon tank with a heater, filter, and light will consume around $10 worth of electricity per month.
- Water: The cost of water depends on the water source, location, and the amount of water changes that are done in the tank. While the cost will vary depending on these factors, the estimated average cost of water would be $2.75 per month.
- Miscellaneous: Miscellaneous supplies such as water conditioners, tools, etc. are estimated to be $10 per month.
Please note that these are approximate costs and may vary depending on your location and other factors.
