Red Chili Oscar - Astronotus ocellatus (Copy)

Common Name: Red Tiger Oscar

Scientific Name: Astronotus ocellatus

Family: Cichlidae

Size: Up to 12–14 inches (30–35 cm)

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Difficulty: Moderate

Native Region: Amazon River Basin, South America

Tank Size: Minimum 75 gallons for one adult

Temperature: 74–81°F (23–27°C)

pH: 6.0–7.5

Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

Decor: Use large rocks, driftwood, and minimal plants (they may uproot them); open swimming space is important.

• Behavior: Intelligent and territorial; may recognize their owner and interact at feeding time.

• Tankmates: Best kept with other large, robust fish (e.g., large catfish, other cichlids); avoid small or timid species.

• Diet: Carnivorous – feed high-quality pellets, frozen foods, earthworms, or occasional live feeders.

• Maintenance: High bioload – strong filtration and regular water changes are essential.