Cichlid - Oscar, Red

Other Breeds

Keeshond   |   Palomino   |   Pig – Pot Bellied   |  

Alternative Name

Velvet Cichlid Scientific Name: Astronotus ocellatus ssp

Basic Info

Red Oscars will reach a size of 10 to 12 inches at maturity. There bodies are mostly red, with hints of orange and yellow. Females can be distinguished by their round anal fin, which looks somewhat like an arrowhead. The male's anal fin is much more pointed. Some Red Oscars will have black features, such as black tips, spots or lines. Red Oscars have very small scales, which allow them to heal quickly.

Health

Red Oscars are a hardy fish. They need warm waters, with temperatures ranging from 72 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The pH level of their water should be slightly acidic to alkaline, with a range between 6.5 and 8. Red Oscars should be fed live foods, including bloodworms, earthworms, crickets, mealworms, glass worms, brine shrimp, tubifex worms and fish. Freeze dried pellet and tablet foods will occasionally be accepted. Breeding To entice breeding, use warmer water temperatures, between 80 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit and a slightly acid pH, from 6.6 to 7. Red Oscars will lay their eggs, numbering between one and two thousand, on flat rock slates. Red Oscars will aggressively defend their eggs and fry.

Habitat

Fresh water fish

Behavior

The Red Oscar makes a great pet. Their strong and varying personalities makes them a popular species of cichlid. They are also relatively inexpensive and easy to care for and they are a large, beautiful fish. They can even be fed by hand. Red Oscars are an aggressive fish, as is true of many cichilids. Red Oscars will eat any fish that can fit into its mouth, so make sure its tankmates are of equal size. As long as they have plenty of space, they should not bother other tankmates of the same size. They are however, known to bully tankmates of the same size. If they are kept with larger, more aggressive fish, they become very timid and will have a hard time fending for themselves. They will play dead if there are scared. Red Oscars are known for their vivid personalities. Hand feeding is a popular trait of Red Oscars. Also, a lid must be put on their tank, because they are known to jump very high. Red Oscars should be kept in large aquariums, with light to moderate rock and plant decoration. Red Oscars will usually move decorations as they see fit, so don't plan on having a certain look in a tank with a Red Oscar in it. Live plants should be potted. Also, make sure that the gravel is not too small, as it can be ingested as they eat, which could be fatal. In addition to a diet of Chichlid pellets beaf heart may also be a good food for Oscars they love it and it also promotes good growth.

Origin

South America

History

Oscars originate in South America, though the Red variety is an aquarium-developed color variation.

Common Foods

Feaf heart