Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
What you need to keep a Oscar
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pH
6–8
Temperature
22–28 °C
Max size
35 cm
Min tank
400 L
Where to buy
Compare prices from SA aquarium shops listing Oscar.
Avg. price
R200
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Overview
What to know before you buy.
The Oscar is arguably the most popular large cichlid in the freshwater hobby, beloved for its dog-like intelligence, individual personality, and willingness to interact with its owner. Originating from the Amazon basin, Oscars come in a wide variety of colour morphs including Tiger, Red, Albino, and Lemon. They are voracious feeders with rapid growth rates, easily reaching 35 centimetres within their first year. Despite their charm, they are messy eaters that require powerful filtration.
Key traits
Care guide
Keeping Oscar healthy in a South African setup.
Tank setup
A minimum 400L aquarium suits Oscar. Use robust décor and sight breaks so each fish can hold its own space.
Water parameters
Keep pH 6–8 and 22–28°C. Stable parameters matter more than chasing perfect numbers; acclimate new arrivals slowly.
Feeding
Carnivore. Feed small amounts it clears in a couple of minutes, and vary the diet.
Behaviour
Aggressive. Watch it at feeding time and at lights-out to see its real temperament in your tank.
Tankmates
Choose robust tankmates of similar size, and nothing small enough to be eaten. Add Oscar last so territories reset.
Breeding
Oscar can breed in home aquariums with a conditioned pair and stable water.
Community photos
From hobbyists across SA.