American Cichlid – Oscar Red Large – 9cm

Red Oscar Large: A Stunning Centrepiece for Big Aquariums

The Red Oscar Large (Astronotus ocellatus) is a beautiful freshwater fish known for its vibrant red colour and bold personality. These intelligent fish are popular among aquarists who love interactive pets. Their bright appearance and curious behaviour make them an exciting addition to large aquariums. With proper care, they can quickly become the star of your tank.

Tank Setup for Red Oscar Large

To house a Red Oscar Large comfortably, you need a tank of at least 300 liters. They enjoy open swimming space with sturdy decor like driftwood, rocks, and plants. Securely place decor to prevent damage from their active movements. Keep the water temperature between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. Good filtration is vital to maintain water quality, as Oscars produce a lot of waste.

Feeding and Nutrition

Providing a varied diet is essential for keeping your Red Oscar Large healthy and vibrant. High-quality cichlid pellets are a great base. Add live or frozen foods like shrimp or bloodworms for variety. Occasionally include vegetables like peas or zucchini to ensure a balanced diet. This combination will enhance their colour and boost their overall health. Feeding them a mix of food keeps them active and engaged.

Behaviour and Tank Mates

Red Oscars are territorial, especially as they grow larger. They pair well with robust fish of similar size, such as plecos, silver dollars, and other large cichlids. However, avoid smaller or delicate tank mates, as they may see them as food. Providing plenty of space and hiding areas helps reduce aggression. A well-planned tank layout ensures a peaceful and enjoyable environment.

Breeding Red Oscar Large

Breeding Red Oscars is an exciting challenge. These fish are substrate spawners, laying eggs on flat surfaces like rocks. Both parents are highly protective of their eggs and fry, making them excellent caregivers. To encourage breeding, maintain stable water conditions and provide spawning sites. Once the fry are free-swimming, feed them finely crushed flakes or baby brine shrimp to support their growth.

FAQs

How big do Red Oscars grow?
They can reach up to 35 cm, making them ideal for spacious tanks.

Are they aggressive?
They can be territorial but usually coexist well with similarly sized robust fish.

What tank mates are suitable?
Large fish like plecos, silver dollars, and other cichlids are excellent choices.

What do they eat?
They thrive on cichlid pellets, live or frozen foods, and occasional vegetables.

How do they breed?
They are substrate spawners, with both parents guarding eggs and fry.

Species Overview

• Species: Astronotus ocellatus
• Common Name: Red Oscar Large
• Origin: South America
• Diet: Omnivore
• PH Range: 6.5–7.5
• Temperature: 24°C–28°C
• Max Size: Up to 35 cm
• Tank Size: Minimum 300 liters