The South American Oscar Fish
The Oscar (Astronotus Ocellatus) is a member of the South American Cichlid (pronounced “sik-lid”) family and is one of the more popular aquarium fish in North America.
Oscars are very well-known for their aggressiveness (although they are far from being the most aggressive Cichlid) and their interactivity with their owners. They do know who their owner(s) is and will act differently with others.
Oscars are great pets, but one thing that many people do not realize is that they require alot of maintenance and care. Oscars are very “dirty” fish, as they are very messy eaters and produce alot of waste. Because of this, weekly, 1/3 tank water changes and strong filtering are needed.
Types of Oscars
Contrary to popular belief there is only one type of Oscar and that is the Wild Oscar. The Wild Oscar is the original Oscar found in the Amazon River, which was later bred into their different color variations, which are now known as the:
Tiger Oscar, Red Oscar, Albino Oscar, Pink Oscar, Lutino Oscar, Veil Tail Oscar, Pink Veil Tail Oscar, Chocolate Oscar, Gold Oscar, Green Oscar, Lemon Oscar, Purple Oscar, and more…
Food
Oscars are carnivorous, meaning they are meat eaters. There are various things you can feed them, but it’s very important to alternate and give them a variety! Probably the most healthy choice is Cichlid pellet food, as it contains all of the nutrients they need. The following are some other types of food you can feed an Oscar:
Gold Fish or Minnows - Oscars love live food and there is nothing wrong with giving them some on occasion, but it’s not a good idea to make this part of their regular diet. Many of the “feeders” you get at your local pet shot are injected with growth hormone many of them can and will bring Ick (Ich,) a common fish disease, along with them. This means there is a good chance that you’re feeding your Oscar(s) growth hormone (bad) and/or Ick. These feeders do not provide all of the nutrients your Oscar needs either.
Water Specs
Aquariam Size
Compatibility
October 16th, 2008 at 12:04 am
My Oscar ate a pelco sucker fish. It apears to bestuck? I was told not to try and dislodge it due to the tines in the pleco. What should I do?
October 16th, 2008 at 12:55 am
oh man, that’s bad news
I honestly don’t know what I’d do… unfortunately there may not be anything you can do. You could probably save the pleco, but due the fins of the pleco it will probably kill the Oscar.
It’s worth a shot though. Grab him and try to maneuver the pleco out as gently as possible. Other than that I really don’t know what to say.
Come back and let me know how it goes if you think of it!