Oscar Fish

oscar fish

 The Oscar(Astronotus ocellatus) is a very common fish and has been around the hobby for a very long time. There are several types of Oscar Fish available from the common Red Oscar, Tiger Oscar, Albino Tiger Oscar and the Albino Red Oscar. This type of cichlid is very popular because it almost has a personality of its own just like a dog it will accept food from your hand.  Some care must be given as Oscars get quit big about 12inches so a minimum of 55 gallons per fish is required but I recommend a 90 gallon or larger.   Since they are carnivorous Oscars prefer a variety of meaty foods and they will eat all types of live, dry, and frozen foods. Remember Oscars can be a little aggressive and they will eat any fish that fits in there mouth so choose there tank mates quite carefully, I had my Oscar with a Jack Dempsey and they lived together for many years. Oscars are very messy eaters so large filtration is required and frequent water changes are a must. The only disease they are particularly vulnerable to is “hole-in-the-head” disease,caused by nutrient deficiencies and poor water quality.  Oscars are very hardy fish but be wary of feeding live food as this may help spread disease to your Oscar, my Oscars would readily get “ich” but when I made the switch away from live to frozen and dry food.