[Wisdom16]

Scientific Name: Astronotus ocellatus

Common name: Oscar

Max Size: 12-13 inches. ~14-16" under optimal conditions

Life Longetivity: Up to 10-13 years, maybe more if kept in a large tank and kept in excellent condition.

Minimum Tank Size: 75 Gallon; 125 Gallon for mated pair

Ph: 6.5-7.5

Temperature: 72-78 degrees Farenheit

Feeding: Eats small fish (Try to stay away from goldfish), crayfish, crickets, quality prepared foods, frozen foods. Note: Feeders should not be fed exclusively. Only as a treat.

Compatibility: Peaceful against similar sized fish. Will eat smaller fish that they can fit in their mouths.

Breeding: The Oscars will build a nest and defend it. Sometimes males will lock jaws over territory and mates. Lay their eggs on flat surfaces and will lay up 1,000+ eggs. They will guard their eggs and fry from other fish. Might be good to throw in some large non-aggresive fish for the Oscars to feel like they are guarding their eggs and fry from predators. This will usually keep them from fighting each other.

Common diseases: Oscars are very susceptible to Hole-in-the-Head. This usually results from high nitrates. Can also be caused from being fed a diet exclusively of feeders. Treatment: Do 30-50% water changes daily or every other day. This disease might leave a scar on the Oscar.

Notes: This fish will grow one inch a month for 6 months. Then it slows down after that. They are very personable fish that will recongize their owner and are considered to be "water dogs" from this attribute.

Interesting Fact: Oscars have 2 sets of teeth. First on the jaws and second in their throat, these are also known as pharyngeal teeth. The teeth in the jaws are used to hold onto prey and the pharyngeal teeth are used to manipulate and process the prey.

Credit for pic: Found Here