Description
Scientific Name: Astronotus ocellatus
Common Name: Common Oscar
Adult Size: 10–12 inches (25–30 cm), occasionally up to 14 inches in large tanks
Life Expectancy: 10–15 years (with excellent care)
Habitat: Native to slow-moving rivers, streams, and floodplains in the Amazon Basin (Brazil, Peru, Colombia); prefers warm, soft waters with submerged roots and debris
Tank Requirements
Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons for one adult; 100+ gallons for a pair or with tankmates
Ideal Temperature: 74–81°F (23–27°C)
pH Range: 6.0–8.0 (prefers slightly acidic to neutral)
Water Hardness: 5–20 dGH
Diet & Nutrition
Omnivorous: Yes
Eats a variety of foods: high-quality cichlid pellets, live/frozen foods (earthworms, crickets, shrimp), and occasional vegetables (peas, spinach)
Enjoys treats like mealworms and feeder fish (sparingly and only from disease-free sources)
Requires a balanced, protein-rich diet to maintain growth and coloration
