Picture courtesy of Aquaria Central

Oscars are really neat, lovable fish. If you're into that kind of thing. I wouldn't suggest keeping an Oscar with any other species. They may decide to lunch on their tank mates. Oscars are unpredictable as well. The point of this sight is to inform potential Oscar Lovers what to expect (or at least be aware of). All Oscars are different. My Oscar is extremely docile, as far as Oscars go. He's very passive and he's quite shy. I've read many stories about Oscars attacking their heaters because they didn't like the red light. Oscars are for people who are willing to buy a new heater when the Oscar breaks the old one.

What will an Oscar owner need to make her Oscar happy?

 At least a 55-gallon tank (or as big as you can afford. Also, remember that each gallon of water weighs over 8 lbs. Make sure your house can support that kind of weight).

 A good filtration system (go to links for some helpful links). An under gravel filter system will probably not work with an Oscar.

 Caves (and your Oscar is going to redecorate the tank. Let him).

 Food! (See Oscars Need Good Eatin').

 

Oscars are expected to live between 5 and 10 years and I have heard as long as 15. This is a big commitment.

This website contains this information:

Oscar Nourishment

Oscar (and other Cichlids) links

Breeding

Solutions

Books to Buy

Archives

Oscar Antics

Facts About Oscars

Species Name: Astronotus Ocellatus

From the Cichlid Family, latin: cichlidae

Maximum size: 12"-16"

Average age: 10 years (plus or minus)

Oscar Nourishment | Oscar (and other Cichlids) links | Breeding

Solutions | Books to Buy | Archives | Oscar Antics| Oscar Gallery | Shelldwellers

 

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