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| Common Name(s) | Oscar Fish, Tiger Oscar, Oscar Cichlid, Velvet Cichlid, Marbled Cichlid, Water Dog |
| Scientific Name | Astronotus ocellatus |
| Origin | South America |
| Temperature | 72-80 °F (22-27 °C) |
| Size | 8-16 inches |
| Minimum Tank Size | 55 gallons |
| Food | Omnivorous diet (pellet food, freeze-dried shrimp, live worms, peas, etc.) |
| Lifespan | 20 years |
| Water pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Tank Mates | Potential tank mates include Firemouth, Jack Dempsey, Common Pleco, and Clown Loaches. |
| Breeding | Breeding pairs spawn eggs during the rainy season |
| Disease | May be susceptible to Hole in the Head disease. |
Table of Contents
Oscar fish (Astronotus ocellatus) is a type of South American Cichlid. Due to their adaptability and popularity in the aquarium hobby, they can be found worldwide. Within the aquarium trade, Oscar fish are also known as Tiger Oscar, Oscar Cichlid, and Velvet Cichlid, among many other names.
The popularity of Oscar fish in the aquarium hobby can be attributed to their appearance and behavior.
First, they are attractive fish with a striking appearance. Tiger Oscars with black bodies and orange patterns are truly stunning, and it is easy to understand why they are so popular. In addition, there are many other varieties of Oscar fish, such as Red Oscar, Albino Oscar, Lemon Oscar, Black Oscar, Blue Oscar, Veil Tail Oscars, and more. Each variety is uniquely beautiful, which is another reason why many fishkeepers are attracted to this fish.
Next, their interesting behavior contributes to their popularity in the aquarium hobby. Oscar fish are more intelligent than your average aquarium fish. They are very personable fish that will interact with their owner. For example, when they are excited about their favorite food, they might wag their tail fin, also known as caudal fins. To many owners, this resembles a puppy wagging its tail, which is why they are nicknamed “Water Dogs.” Since they have so much personality, many fishkeepers become very attached to them as pet fish.
Unfortunately, Oscar fish are one of the most mistreated fish in the aquarium hobby as well. When they are sold at local fish stores, they are usually sold as small juvenile fish. Generally, they would be sold at sizes of approximately 2 inches (5 cm). Many people that purchase these fish do not realize that the fish could grow to a foot long (30 cm) within a year. Due to their fast growth rate and large size as an adult, they are often kept in aquariums that are too small for them.
Oscar Fish Care
Oscar fish are hardy fish that are easy to take care of. Even though they are large fish, they can even be kept by beginners in the aquarium hobby. With that said, they aren’t suitable for all fishkeepers either since there are certain care requirements that must be met. Having a large tank is one of these requirements.
Here are more specifics on how to properly take care of Oscar fish:
Temperature for Oscar Fish
The optimal temperature range for Oscar fish is 72-80 °F (22-27 °C). They will also survive in an acceptable temperature range of 68-82 °F (20-28 °C).
Since Oscar fish are tropical fish that are native to the Amazon River basin, they are these tropical temperatures are required. If the temperature drops too low, their immune system can weaken. This will increase the likelihood of infections and diseases. Regarding low temperatures, the lethal limit is known to be 12.9°C (55.22°F).
In contrast, if the temperature is too high, oxygen levels in the tank can deplete. This can also become a dangerous environment for the fish, and it should be avoided.
In order to maintain stable water temperatures, installing a reliable aquarium heater and aquarium thermometer is important.
Water pH for Oscar Fish
The optimal water pH for Oscar fish is 6.8-7.2. While this is the optimal range, these hardy fish can also survive in a pH range of 6.0-8.0. Oscars are naturally hardy fish, and captive-bred fish are known to have an exceptionally high tolerance for a wider pH range.
Keep in mind that the pH range should be changed gradually, even if it is within the acceptable range. In addition, the tolerance will vary depending on the fish, even if it is the same species.
Lastly, if you wish to breed Oscar fish, staying within the optimal pH range is best.
Oscar Fish Size
Oscar fish are often sold as 1-3 inches juvenile fish, but they will quickly grow within the first year. They can grow up to an inch per year, reaching almost a foot in length. Full-grown Oscars in captivity are usually 11-12 inches in length. However, some Oscars will grow to 16 inches and weigh over 3 lbs.
Oscar Fish Tank Size
Since Oscar fish are large, tank size is an important factor to consider.
For a full-grown oscar fish, a minimum tank size of 55 gallons is required. However, a 75-gallon tank or larger tank is recommended. If you wish to keep multiple Oscars in one tank, you should add a minimum of 20-30 gallons per fish tank size. If you wish to house multiple full-grown Oscars, a 125-gallon tank or larger would be ideal.
Aquarium tank size can become an issue for oscar fish since they grow to a large size very quickly. They are often sold as small juvenile fish ranging from 1-3 inches. However, these fish grow much faster than many people expect them to. Since Oscars can grow up to an inch per month during their first year, they will outgrow a small tank quickly. Many new owners are unaware of this and are not prepared to house a fish that is close to a foot in length.
In addition to the fish tank’s volume, the tank’s shape should also be considered. If it is a narrow tank, the fish could have trouble turning around at the end of the tank. Remember that a full-grown oscar fish can be 12 inches or more long. The tank should allow the fish to turn around without bumping into the walls of the aquarium. If you have a small tank, Oscars are not the best choice of fish to keep.
Oscar Fish Tank Setup
Aquarium Filtration
A good aquarium filter, such as a canister filter, is required for oscar fish. Remember that Oscars are large in terms of girth and weight, not only length. This means that these fish have a large bioload. They consume a lot of food and produce lots of waste.
Aquarium Lighting
Oscar fish prefer moderate to low aquarium light. Lighting should be set on a daily cycle to mimic the natural day and night cycle. 8-12 hours of light is sufficient. Standard aquarium lighting will be sufficient. LED lighting will help display the oscars’ colors very well.
Decorations
Decorating an Oscar fish tank can be a challenge. Oscars are large fish and will be strong enough to move small objects and uproot plants in an aquarium. In general, most Oscar tanks are decorated very minimally. A large rock or driftwood can be placed in tanks as a centerpiece. Natural decorations can mimic the looks of the Oscars’ wild habitat and environment in the Amazon basin. Remember that too much decoration can take away from the Oscars’ swimming space.
Oscar Fish Food
What Food does Oscar Fish Eat in the Wild?
Oscar fish are omnivores. They originate in rivers and pools of water in the Amazon basin. They are opportunistic feeders that will eat a variety of food, including insects, crustaceans, and other invertebrates. They may also feed on vegetation, fruits, and seeds.
Oscars will also eat other small fish. They are able to swim quickly for short distances, allowing them to hunt other fish occasionally. However, Oscars are not true piscivores. Therefore, their diet may consist of other fish, but this is not their main source of food.
Best Food for Oscar Fish
Feeding a quality cichlid or oscar pellet food is a great way to meet the oscars’ daily nutritional needs.
In addition, pellet food can be supplemented with many other foods, such as freeze-dried food, fresh food, and live food. Here’s a list of some of the best food that can be fed to the Oscars:
- Freeze-dried shrimp
- Fresh shrimp
- Fresh scallops
- Fresh clams
- Live snails
- Live earthworms
- Live mealworms
- Peas
- Bananas
Best Food for Oscar Fish Growth
The best food for growing oscar fish is a high-protein diet. While Oscars are omnivores, juvenile Oscars that are growing rapidly need protein in their diet. In addition to high-protein flake and pellet fish, their diet should be supplemented with fresh and live fish food. White worms are great for juvenile Oscars. They are known for their high protein and fat content, which is vital for growth. Brine shrimp is great for feeding juvenile fish as well.
Growth rate can be affected by feeding patterns. Rather than feeding one large meal a day, juvenile Oscars should be fed 2-3 times a day. Feeding different types of food each time is a good way to vary their diet.
Once the juveniles reach 4-6 inches in length, the frequency of the feedings can be changed to 1-2 times a day. The Oscars should be more established, and feeding should become easier.
At 7-8 inches, Oscars are considered adults. While they are still growing, it is important to watch the weight of the oscar. If the oscar is gaining too much fat, the feed type and/or frequency should be adjusted accordingly. Adult Oscars can be once a day or every other day.
Oscar Fish Lifespan
Oscars have a long life expectancy. They can live as long as 20 years if taken care of properly. If you decide to keep an oscar, be prepared to take care of it for many years. Since Oscars have a personality, many owners become attached to their fish over the years.
Oscar Fish Behavior
Oscars are intelligent fish that will interact with their owner constantly. This is the reason why they are often nicknamed “water dog.” They will come up to the front of the tank when they see their owner. They may wag their tail fin and beg for food, almost mimicking a puppy. They can be moody as well. If they dislike what is happening in the tank, a water change, for example, may sulk and recede to the corner of the tank.
They are very curious fish. They will turn rocks and other decorations in the tank if they can. Many plants will most likely be uprooted.
Oscar Fish Tank Mates
Not all fish are compatible as tank mates for Oscars. Similar to many other cichlid species, Oscars can be territorial. As they often do in their natural habitat, an oscar may try to protect its territory against other fish in an aquarium. In addition, they may eat other fish if they are small enough. Oscar fish are not suitable for a community aquarium.
While Oscars may show mild aggression towards other fish, they are susceptible to bullying themselves. If an oscar is placed with other large, aggressive fish, it can be vulnerable to their attacks.
Here’s a list of some possible tank mates for Oscars:
- Firemouth cichlid
- Jack Dempsey
- Common pleco
- Arowana
- Clown loaches
- Freshwater Stingrays
- Giant gouramis
Keep in mind that there is always a chance that these fish can become aggressive toward each other. Especially when the fish are initially introduced into the same aquarium, extra caution should be taken.
Many of these fish are large fish. If you intend to add these fish to an oscar tank, ensure there is enough space for all fish. Make sure the filtration system is able to handle the bio load for all of the fish as well. A canister filter with a high filtration capacity may be required.
Oscar Fish Diseases
Oscars are known to get bacteria and parasite infections. One of the common diseases in Oscars are hole in the head.
Hole in the Head Disease
Hole in the Head is a common disease in freshwater fish such as cichlids, and Oscars are also susceptible to it. Hole-in-the-Head is also known as Freshwater Head and Lateral Line Erosion (FHLLE).
Some signs and symptoms of the hole-in-the-head disease include:
- lesions in the head
- loss of appetite
- lethargy
- white sores around the eyes
If the fish is left untreated, the small legions may become increase in size and become infected. If left untreated, the fish will start to lose its appetite and eventually die.
If signs of a hole in the head disease are detected, it is important to act quickly.
Possible Causes of Hole in the Head Disease for Oscar Fish
Poor water quality
Nitrite, nitrate, ammonia, pH levels may be out of the desired parameters.
Poor nutrition
Mineral and vitamin deficiencies.
Parasite
Hexamita, a flagellate parasite, can affect the fish’s abdominal cavity, gall bladder, spleen, and kidneys.
Stress
Stress can be caused by many factors, such as poor water quality and oxygen deficiency. An overcrowded tank can also be a cause of stress. Drastic temperature fluctuations during water changes or malfunctioning heaters.
Weak Immune System
Fish with weak immune systems, such as older fish, are more susceptible to hole-in-the-head disease.
Treatment for Hole in the Head Disease
Since poor water quality is a major cause of hole-in-the-head disease, it is a good idea to start by testing the water quality. If the test indicates that there is a high level of nitrite or ammonia, carry out a large water change to reduce the number of toxic materials. Ensure the new water being added to the tank is conditioned properly. Remove toxins such as chlorine, and adjust the water temperature. If the water is not conditioned properly, it can add more stress to the fish.
Poor nutrition is another common cause of the hole in the head disease. An improper diet can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies and weaken immune systems. A healthy, nutritious diet is vital for a strong immune system. A variety of quality pellet food and fresh food would be ideal. You can also add vitamin supplements to the water regularly or soak the fish food in vitamin supplements before feeding.
If the hole in the head disease has progressed, simply improving the water conditions and feeding better fish food may not resolve the issue. Metronidazole, or Flagyl, is often used to treat hole-in-the-head disease. Metronidazole is known to be effective in treating Hexamita. As described by the Florida Museum of Natural History, the protozoan Hexamita is the cause of the “hole in the head” disease.
Oscar Fish Types
Tiger Oscars, red Oscars, and Albino Oscars are the three main types of oscar fish. However, there are many more varieties of Oscars today. Here’s a list of some of the oscar fish known today:
- Tiger oscar
- Black tiger oscar
- Blue tiger oscar
- White tiger oscar
- Copper oscar
- Golden oscar
- White oscar
- Red oscar
- Albino oscar
- Lutino oscar
- Lemon oscar
- Blue oscar
- Veiltail oscar
- Short body oscar
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