Oscar Cichlid, lat. Astronotus ocellatus- Astronotus ocellatus distribution
Family: Cichlidae;
Genus: Astronotus;
Species and synonyms: Oscar Cichlid (Astronotus ocellatus, Oscar Cichlid, Marble Cichlid, Acará-grande, Cíclido Oscar Tigre).
GBIF:
Oscar Cichlid (lat. Astronotus ocellatus) is a species of ray-finned fish from the order Cichliformes, family Cichlidae, genus Astronotus. One of the most popular and recognizable large cichlids in the aquarium hobby.
Distribution. The natural range of the Oscar Cichlid covers rivers and lakes of South America, mainly in the Amazon, Orinoco and Paraná basins in Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador and other countries. The fish prefer slow-moving or stagnant waters with sandy or muddy bottoms, often found in rivers, lakes, floodplain water bodies and canals with dense vegetation.
Care requirements. The Oscar Cichlid is a large fish, growing up to 25–30 cm in the aquarium and up to 40 cm in the wild. To keep a pair or a group, an aquarium of at least 300 liters with a length of 120 cm is recommended. Optimal water parameters: temperature 22–28°C, hardness 5–15 dGH, pH 6.0–7.5. Powerful filtration with moderate flow, good aeration and weekly water changes of 20–25% are necessary. Sandy or fine gravel substrate, large stones, driftwood and shelters are placed at the bottom. Plants should have tough leaves or be potted.
Oscar Cichlids are omnivorous, feeding on small fish, invertebrates, worms, algae and vegetation in the wild. In the aquarium, their diet should consist of high-quality pellets for large cichlids, live and frozen foods (fish, shrimp, mussels, bloodworms, worms), as well as plant components. It is important to vary the diet and avoid overfeeding. Feed should be 1–2 times a day in small portions.
In the aquarium, Oscar Cichlids are active in the middle and lower water layers. They are territorial and aggressive, especially during spawning. It is recommended to keep them in pairs or in groups with a predominance of females. Recommended tankmates include other large cichlids of comparable size, large catfish. It is not recommended to keep them with small or slow-moving fish that will be perceived as food.
Breeding in home aquariums is possible under proper conditions. Oscar Cichlids are substrate spawners, laying eggs on flat stones or in pre-dug pits. They reach sexual maturity at 12–18 months. To stimulate spawning, water changes with fresh water and a temperature increase of 1–2°C are recommended. The male and female form a stable pair and jointly care for the offspring. Eggs incubate for 3–5 days, fry are fed Artemia nauplii, microworms and fine dry food.
The Oscar Cichlid gets its name from its characteristic coloration and the spot on the caudal peduncle resembling an eye. The body is dark grey or olive-brown with orange or red spots and stripes. Selective forms include "Albino Oscar", "Red Oscar", "Tiger Oscar" and "Marble Oscar". It is one of the most intelligent and perceptive cichlids, capable of recognizing its owner. Life expectancy is 10–15 years.
Lamprologus ocellatus