Astronotus ocellatus

RED TIGER OSCAR

ASTRONOTUS OCELLATUS

It comes from the Amazon region and despite its large size it is not aggressive at all, as far as fish of its size are concerned. Do not combine it with small fish, as these are considered part of their daily menu; since it is difficult to distinguish their foliage at a young age they are best kept in groups. As they grow they form pairs and breed in the tank successfully. The pair usually cleans a smooth stone and the eggs are laid there, while the pair takes care of their protection. In 3 to 4 days they hatch and are then transferred by the parents to a pit in the aquarium substrate where they are kept for a week or so.

Oscars need a lot of space in the tank to move around due to their final size. They need clean water and fairly adequate filtration. The substrate should be smooth gravel and some rocks or even a tree trunk as decoration. Special attention should be paid to the fish's digging skills. So plants with caution and always well protected with rocks. They are particularly intelligent fish with personality and character.

You never know exactly what the fish's behaviour will be when it becomes an adult. Some are social, some are solitary, some are aggressive, and some are usually calm. Oscars are trained by many hobbyists to eat from their owner's hand. Poor water conditions and tank mates can cause stress to the fish. To the latter most hobbyists attribute the Oscars' characteristic disease, Hole on the Head, which is very difficult to cure.

• Maintenance: medium difficulty
• Character: aggressive
• Water conditions: dKH 5-19, pH 6-8
• Dietary habits: carnivorous