Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
FishFreshwater
- Care level
- Moderate
- Temperament
- Aggressive
- Recommended tank
- 400 L
- Maximum size
- 35 cm
- Temperature
- 23–28 °C
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Diet
- Carnivore
Care at a glance
The oscar is the dog of the aquarium world: it recognises its keeper, comes to the glass, feeds from the hand and has unmistakable character. For many people that is exactly why they get one — and for just as many, the reason they want rid of it within a year.
It reaches thirty-five centimetres, produces an enormous amount of waste and cheerfully rearranges your whole layout, plants included. Plan on a big tank, heavy filtration and frequent water changes. Anything that fits in its mouth counts as food. Feed quality pellets rather than live feeder fish: the latter brings disease risk and a one-sided diet.
Good to know
Best not combined with
Related species
Keep Oscar in the BlubHub app
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Values are mainstream hobbyist guidance, not gospel — always watch what your own animals need.