Red Oscar Small

Description

The Red Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus) is a vibrant and striking freshwater cichlid native to the slow-moving rivers, floodplains, and lakes of South America, particularly in the Amazon and Orinoco basins. Renowned for its fiery red coloration and bold personality, this fish is a favorite among aquarists looking for a stunning and interactive centerpiece for their aquarium.

Highly intelligent and curious, the Red Oscar often forms a bond with its keeper, recognizing and responding to them. In the wild, it feeds on small fish, insects, and crustaceans, while in captivity, its diet should consist of high-quality pellets, live or frozen foods, and occasional treats like shrimp or earthworms.

This large, active fish requires a spacious aquarium with a minimum size of 300 liters, along with plenty of swimming space and sturdy decor like rocks, driftwood, and caves. Warm water with stable parameters and moderate flow is ideal. While the Red Oscar is generally peaceful, it can be territorial and should be housed with similarly sized, robust tankmates. With proper care, this magnificent fish can grow up to 30-35 cm and live for over a decade, making it a rewarding and long-term addition to any aquarium.