| Oscar Cichlid, also known for their scientific name | | | | Noted as being intelligent creatures from aquarists |
| Astronotus Ocellatus, is found in South America | | | | alike, they are able to distinguish their owners |
| and native to Peru, Brazil, French Guiana and | | | | apart from strangers. Oscars are curious, playful, |
| Columbia. Other common names include Velvet | | | | and popular among hobbyists. |
| Cichlid, Marble Cichlid, and Tiger Oscar. These fish | | | | Since Oscars are carnivores, their diet should |
| are rapid growers. Reaching an average of 12 | | | | consist of fish and insects. Feeder fish, brine |
| inches in length, some have been known reach a | | | | shrimp, krill, and crickets are all acceptable food |
| total of 18 inches and weigh 3.5 lbs. | | | | types. High quality prepared foods such as pellets |
| Typically dark in colour, orange-ringed spots also | | | | and flakes can also be supplemented with the |
| known as ocelli are found around the gill area, | | | | food types previously mentioned. |
| dorsal fin, and on the sides towards the back end | | | | A 75 gallon tank per Oscar is the ideal size with a |
| of the fish. Found in a variety of colours, Oscars | | | | water temperature range of 70-80 degrees |
| can range from being mottled, all black or red, | | | | Fahrenheit. PH should be maintained between 6.5 |
| marbled, or albino. When becoming combative or | | | | and 7.0. Although Oscars are relatively hardy fish, |
| territorial, they are known to change colour | | | | water conditions must be kept clean and |
| rapidly. Juvenile Oscars have spotted heads and | | | | maintained. Improper water and tank maintenance |
| are striped with wavy, orange and white bands. | | | | can lead to certain diseases that Oscars are |
| Oscar Cichlids are known to be aggressive | | | | susceptible to, such as HITH, (hole in the head) a |
| compared to other members in the cichlid family. | | | | disease which affects the sensory organs in the |
| Jack Dempsey's, Pacus, and Silver Dollars will | | | | lateral lines and face of the fish, thus causing |
| work well as tank mates as well as other | | | | pitting in both areas. |
| moderately aggressive cichlids. | | | | |