Red Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus)

Red Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus)

The Red Oscar is a stunning variation of the classic Oscar, known for its deep red-orange coloration rather than the marbled patterns seen in other varieties. As one of the most popular large cichlids in the aquarium hobby, it’s a favorite among fish keepers due to its hardy nature, striking appearance, and interactive personality. These fish grow to an impressive size but remain manageable with proper care, making them a perfect centerpiece for large aquariums.

Tank Setup & Behavior

Red Oscars do best in spacious tanks with a sand or gravel substrate, sturdy decorations, and plenty of open swimming space. Since they tend to nibble on plants, artificial ones are often a better choice than live plants. Like many cichlids, they enjoy rearranging their environment, so it’s important to secure rocks and driftwood properly to prevent shifting.

While they are generally less aggressive than other large cichlids, Red Oscars have a big appetite and will eat any fish or invertebrate small enough to fit in their mouth. They become more territorial during breeding, so if spawning is planned, they should be kept without other species. They also tend to get along better with tankmates when raised together from a young age rather than introduced later in life. Given their size and waste production, a powerful filtration system and regular water changes are essential.

Diet & Nutrition

Red Oscars are not fussy eaters and will happily consume a mix of high-quality dry, frozen, and live meaty foods. However, they also require some vegetable content, which can be provided through spirulina-based foods or fresh greens like blanched spinach and shelled peas. Avoid feeding them mammal or bird meat, such as beefheart, as it is not suitable for their digestive system. A varied diet ensures they stay healthy and display their best coloration.

Why Choose a Red Oscar?

• Bold, beautiful red-orange coloration
• Hardy and full of personality
• Can be bred in home aquariums
• A classic and highly popular ornamental fish
• Makes an eye-catching centerpiece for a large tank

Tank & Water Requirements:

• Temperature: 68° - 82.4°F (20° - 28°C)
• pH Range: 6.0 - 7.5
• KH: 5 - 20 KH
• Minimum Tank Size: 75+ gallons for one adult, 100+ gallons for multiple adults

Care Guidelines:

• Diet: Omnivorous – requires a mix of high-quality meaty foods and some vegetable matter
• Social Behavior: Juveniles form loose groups; males and females may become territorial when spawning
• Origin: Tank-bred, originally from South America
• Adult Size: 10 - 14 inches (25 - 35 cm)
• Juvenile Size at Purchase: Around 2 - 3 inches (2.5 - 7.6 cm)

With their vibrant colors and engaging behavior, Red Oscars are a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a large, charismatic fish to add to their aquarium!