Red Tiger Oscar - Astronotus ocellatus
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Red Tiger Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus) is a striking and intelligent cichlid known for its deep black body contrasted by vivid red-orange tiger-like markings. These large, personable fish are popular among aquarists for their interactive behavior and bold appearance.
Description:
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
Aquarium Setup:
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.
Additional Tips:
• 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.