Red Chilli Black Oscar (Pair)

The Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus) is a species of Cichlid native to several countries in South America including; Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

This colour morph, the Red Chilli Black Oscar, has been selectively bred from captive stock for the home aquarium.

This is a bonded pair.

Habitat

In the wild, these fish are found in slow moving freshwater systems in South America, such as lakes and floodplains. They are an opportunistic feeder that will eat smaller fish and other creatures, and occasionally vegetation.

A comfortable temperature for these fish is between 23°C - 27°C.

Size

Our specimen currently measures approx. 12cm

This species' maximum size typically reaches approx. 34cm

Aquarium

Oscars can get very large, and are strong and intelligent fish that can also be bolshy and beligerent. They each have an individual personality and are a wonderful pet for the experienced Cichlid keeper.

We usually recommend a large tank (around 350 Litres) with enough room to suitably accommodate 6 of these fish, but as this is a bonded pair, they will be more likely to act with aggression to others of the species. Introduce with caution.

Suitable tank mates would be a large catfish species such as a plecostomus, and with caution and enough space - more similar sized Oscars.

The layout of the tank should include a large area of open swimming space bordered by secure and sturdy rock work. Perhaps also add a large pipe or cave for them to explore.

We do not recommend live plants as they are liable to be eaten and/or destroyed by the natural foraging behaviour of these fish.

Do not house these fish in a community tank as they will try to eat anything much smaller than themselves.

The tank should be well established to avoid any surprise changes in water parameters that may upset or be otherwise detrimental to the fish.

pH levels should fall between the 6 - 8 range.
Hardness should fall between 5 - 25 dGH

Behaviour

Oscars are an intelligent fish that display individual personalities. They can even learn who their owner is and what time they get fed. They can be aggressive and territorial, so make sure your aquarium has enough room to give them their space.

This is a freshwater species - Do not put them in a marine / saltwater aquarium.