Our Guide To Keeping Tiger Oscar Cichlid Fish

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Astronotus ocellatus
   • Common name: Oscar Fish
   • Family: Cichlidae
   • Origin: South America, primarily found in the Amazon basin
   • Adult length: Up to 35 cm (14 inches)
   • Lifespan: 10 to 20 years

2. Tank Setup:

   • Tiger Oscar Fish require a large tank due to their size. A minimum tank size of 75 gallons is recommended for a single Oscar.
   • Provide plenty of hiding spots and decorations like caves, rocks, and driftwood to create territories and reduce aggression.

3. Water Parameters:

   • Keep the water temperature between 24 to 27°C (75 to 80°F).
   • They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water conditions with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5.

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • Powerful filtration is essential due to their messy eating habits and high bio-load.
   • Provide a strong water flow to mimic their natural habitat, but ensure it's not too strong to stress the fish.

5. Diet:

   • Tiger Oscar Fish are carnivores and need a protein-rich diet. Offer them high-quality pellets, flakes, and occasional live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and small feeder fish.
   • Feed them once or twice a day, only what they can consume within a few minutes to prevent overfeeding and water quality issues.

6. Tank mates:

   • Choose tank mates carefully as Oscars can be territorial and aggressive, especially during breeding.
   • They are compatible with large, robust fish species such as other large cichlids, catfish, and certain large tetras.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Tiger Oscar Fish are intelligent and have individual personalities. They may show aggression towards tank mates, especially if they feel threatened or during breeding.
   • Avoid keeping them with smaller or more timid fish species that may become targets of aggression.