Wild Tiger Oscar Care Guide
The Wild Tiger Oscar is a wild-type colour form of Astronotus ocellatus, a large, intelligent South American cichlid for big aquaria.
Overview
The Wild Tiger Oscar is a wild-type colour form of Astronotus ocellatus, a large cichlid from tropical South America. Wild oscars are dark-coloured with yellow-ringed ocelli on the caudal peduncle and dorsal fin; juveniles show white and orange wavy banding. The species is well known for rapid colour changes during territorial displays.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Astronotus
- Scientific name: Astronotus ocellatus
- Described: Agassiz, 1831
Habitat
Astronotus ocellatus is native to the western Amazon and Orinoco basins and has been introduced elsewhere. It favours quiet, shallow waters over mud and sand bottoms in canals and ponds. The reported lower lethal temperature is about 12.9 °C.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 400 L
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 5-18 °dGH
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
Diet
Oscars are carnivorous. In the wild they feed largely on small fish, crayfish, worms and insect larvae, and seasonally on fruits and nuts. They feed by suction and have an absolute requirement for vitamin C, so a varied diet of meaty foods and appropriate prepared foods is important.
Compatibility
Oscars are territorial and aggressive toward fish within their claimed area and will eat small tankmates. Suitable companions are large, robust fish in a spacious aquarium; small tetras, guppies and shrimp are unsuitable.
Breeding
Astronotus ocellatus is a biparental substrate spawner. Females deposit several hundred to several thousand eggs depending on size, reaching sexual maturity at around one year, and both parents care for the brood.