Cichlid
Ask a room of cichlid keepers which fish made them fall for the hobby and a lot of hands go up for the oscar. Astronotus ocellatus comes from the slow rivers of the Amazon basin, and in the aquarium it behaves less like a fish and more like a pet that happens to live underwater.
They really do know you
Oscars commonly learn who feeds them. Many keepers describe their oscar rushing to the front glass when they walk in, ignoring guests, and sulking when the routine changes. That personality is the reason people stick with them for a decade or more.
They are interior designers
An oscar will move gravel, push over decor and uproot plants. It is normal behavior, not a sign of a problem. Heavy, smooth rock, large driftwood and a sand bottom give them something to work with without wrecking the tank.
What they need
- A 75 gallon tank as a practical minimum for one adult, more for a pair.
- Strong filtration and weekly water changes, because they are messy eaters.
- A quality large cichlid pellet as the staple, with frozen foods as treats.
- A secure lid.
If you are planning your first oscar, start with our oscar care guide and the cycling guide. Then come show us your tank.
