Astronotus Ocellatus - Red Tiger Oscar

$20.00

The Astronotus Ocellatus - Red Tiger Oscar is a spectacular centerpiece for the modern freshwater aquarium, known for its brilliant coloration and sophisticated social behavior. Characterized by a dark charcoal body marbled with vibrant orange-to-red "tiger" patterns, this species is a masterclass in aquatic aesthetics. In the "Answering Machine" era of cichlid husbandry, the Red Tiger Oscar is highly prized for its immense intelligence, "water dog" personality, and its ability to recognize and interact with its owners.

Unlike many other cichlid species that remain skittish, Oscars are exceptionally bold and occupy all levels of the water column, providing a constant display of color and interactive movement. They are famously personable, often "begging" for food at the front glass and displaying a level of consciousness rarely seen in other aquarium residents.

Note: Images shown are stock images and not the actual fish you will receive.

Quick Specs

  • Care Level: Moderate

  • Temperament: Semi-aggressive

  • Minimum Tank Size: 75 Gallons

  • Diet: Carnivore

  • Reef Compatible: No (Freshwater)

  • Max Size: 12–14 Inches

  • Water Conditions: 72 to 80°F, dKH 5 to 20, pH 6.0 to 7.5

Husbandry Notes

The Red Tiger Oscar is an ideal candidate for a large specimen tank or a community of robust tankmates. While they do not require a specific substrate, they are known "aquascapers" and will move gravel and decor to their liking—ensure any rockwork is heavy and stable. They are high-metabolism fish and should be fed a varied diet of high-quality cichlid pellets, frozen krill, and silversides at least twice daily. Because they produce a significant biological load, heavy over-filtration and consistent weekly water changes are mandatory for their health and long-term vitality.

Expert Shipping & Logistics

We’ve dialed in the logistics for national Overnight Delivery to ensure your livestock arrives in peak condition. Every order is packed using professional-grade insulation and climate-contingent heat or ice packs, designed to maintain stable temperatures throughout the journey. We handle the technical side of the move so you can focus on the acclimation. Our protocol is built on getting these fish from the facility to your tank with zero compromise on health or vitality.

The Astronotus Ocellatus - Red Tiger Oscar is a spectacular centerpiece for the modern freshwater aquarium, known for its brilliant coloration and sophisticated social behavior. Characterized by a dark charcoal body marbled with vibrant orange-to-red "tiger" patterns, this species is a masterclass in aquatic aesthetics. In the "Answering Machine" era of cichlid husbandry, the Red Tiger Oscar is highly prized for its immense intelligence, "water dog" personality, and its ability to recognize and interact with its owners.

Unlike many other cichlid species that remain skittish, Oscars are exceptionally bold and occupy all levels of the water column, providing a constant display of color and interactive movement. They are famously personable, often "begging" for food at the front glass and displaying a level of consciousness rarely seen in other aquarium residents.

Note: Images shown are stock images and not the actual fish you will receive.

Quick Specs

  • Care Level: Moderate

  • Temperament: Semi-aggressive

  • Minimum Tank Size: 75 Gallons

  • Diet: Carnivore

  • Reef Compatible: No (Freshwater)

  • Max Size: 12–14 Inches

  • Water Conditions: 72 to 80°F, dKH 5 to 20, pH 6.0 to 7.5

Husbandry Notes

The Red Tiger Oscar is an ideal candidate for a large specimen tank or a community of robust tankmates. While they do not require a specific substrate, they are known "aquascapers" and will move gravel and decor to their liking—ensure any rockwork is heavy and stable. They are high-metabolism fish and should be fed a varied diet of high-quality cichlid pellets, frozen krill, and silversides at least twice daily. Because they produce a significant biological load, heavy over-filtration and consistent weekly water changes are mandatory for their health and long-term vitality.

Expert Shipping & Logistics

We’ve dialed in the logistics for national Overnight Delivery to ensure your livestock arrives in peak condition. Every order is packed using professional-grade insulation and climate-contingent heat or ice packs, designed to maintain stable temperatures throughout the journey. We handle the technical side of the move so you can focus on the acclimation. Our protocol is built on getting these fish from the facility to your tank with zero compromise on health or vitality.