RED TIGER OSCAR

Red Tiger Oscar Cichlid (Astronotus ocellatus)

The Red Tiger Oscar Cichlid is a stunning color variety of the popular Oscar, admired for its bold personality and vibrant red-orange patterning set against a dark body. Intelligent and highly interactive, Oscars are known to recognize their owners, eagerly greet feeding time, and quickly become the centerpiece of any large aquarium. Their impressive size, striking appearance, and engaging behavior make them a favorite among cichlid enthusiasts.

Origin
The Red Tiger Oscar is a captive-bred color morph of the Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus), a species native to the Amazon Basin and surrounding river systems of South America, including Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and Venezuela. In the wild, Oscars inhabit slow-moving rivers, floodplains, and backwaters with submerged wood and dense vegetation.

Short Care Tips

• House in a spacious aquarium with strong filtration to accommodate their size and heavy waste production.

• Feed a varied diet of high-quality cichlid pellets, frozen foods, and occasional protein-rich treats.

• Provide driftwood, rocks, and open swimming areas while securing decorations, as Oscars often rearrange their environment.

• Perform regular water changes to maintain excellent water quality.

• Keep with compatible large fish, as smaller tank mates may be viewed as prey.

Recommended Habitat Parameters

• Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Water Hardness: 5–20 dGH

• Tank Size: Minimum 75 gallons (285 L) for a single adult; 125 gallons (475 L) or larger for pairs or community setups

• Filtration: High-capacity biological and mechanical filtration

• Substrate: Fine gravel or sand

• Aquascape: Driftwood, smooth rocks, sturdy décor, and open swimming space

• Lighting: Low to moderate lighting

With its fiery coloration, impressive intelligence, and commanding presence, the Red Tiger Oscar Cichlid is an exceptional choice for aquarists looking for a large, interactive fish with unmatched personality.