The oscar is a species of fish from the cichlid family known under a variety of common names, including tiger oscar, velvet cichlid, and marble cichlid. In tropical South America, where the species naturally resides
Oscars are infamous for their aggression, which is hard to imagine since they swim so gracefully, but they prove that looks can be deceiving.
Those who are brave enough to keep them may initially be attracted by their appearance and colors, but quickly come to appreciate their intelligence and social behaviors.
These are temperamental creatures that should only be looked after by experienced fish keepers. As omnivores they’re easy to feed, but it can be hard to find suitable tank mates.
Category | Rating |
---|---|
Care Level: | Moderate |
Temperament: | Aggressive/Territorial |
Color Form: | Various |
Lifespan: | Up to 20 Years |
Size: | Up to 12 inches |
Diet: | Omnivorous |
Family: | Cichlidae |
Minimum Tank Size: | 55 gallons |
Tank Set-Up: | Freshwater: Rocks and Caves |
Compatibility: | Large, Passive Fish |