🐟 Tiger Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus)
🐟 Tiger Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus)
Bold Marbled Show Cichlid • Big Personality • A True Centerpiece Fish
📋 The Tiger Oscar is the classic Oscar, with bold orange-red marbling over a dark body, and it's famous as the "dog of the fish world." It's smart and interactive: it learns to recognise its keeper, comes to the glass to say hello, and begs for food. It is native to the Amazon and Orinoco basins and makes a spectacular centerpiece for a large aquarium.
Oscars are fast growers that become impressive adults of about 30-35cm, so they shine in a spacious tank: plan on 300L or more for one adult, with powerful filtration and a tight lid. Give them room and they'll be a real pet for 10-15 years or more. They love a big, open swimming area with a few rocks and driftwood, and they enjoy rearranging the scenery.
💡 Highlights
✨ Striking Tiger Patterning: Orange-red marbling over a dark body
🐶 The Pet of the Fish World: Recognises its keeper
🧠 Smart and Interactive: Famous for its personality
📏 Impressive Adult Size: About 30-35cm
🏠 Happiest in a Roomy Tank: 300L+ for one adult
🧾 A Quick Look at the Tiger Oscar
📛 Common Name: Tiger Oscar (Velvet Cichlid, Marble Cichlid)
🔬 Scientific Name: Astronotus ocellatus
👨👩👧 Family: Cichlidae
🌍 Origin: South America (Amazon and Orinoco basins)
📏 Max Size: About 30-35cm in aquariums
🧂 Water Type: Freshwater
💧 pH Range: 6.0-8.0
🌡️ Temperature Range: 23-28°C (73-82°F)
🧠 Care Level: Intermediate
💖 Temperament: Semi-aggressive and territorial; eats small fish
🌿 Planted Tank Safe: ❌ No; it enjoys rearranging the scenery
🏠 Min Tank Size: 300 L+ (80 gallons) for one adult; 450-500 L+ for two
📌 Tank Level: All levels
🧬 Stock Type: Captive-bred
⏳ Lifespan: 10-15 years, sometimes up to 20
🍽️ Diet: Omnivore, mainly meaty foods
🐣 Reproduction: Egg layer; pairs spawn on flat surfaces
