What size tank does a Oscar need?

A Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus) requires a minimum tank size of 450 litres. As they can grow up to 35 cm, a larger aquarium is always better to ensure they thrive.

What are the ideal water parameters for Oscar?

Keep your Oscar in water between 22–28°C with a pH of 6.0–8.0. They prefer a hardness of 5–20 dGH. Stable parameters are more important than hitting exact numbers.

What are good tank mates for Oscar?

Good companions include Silver dollars, Large catfish, Plecostomus. Avoid keeping them with Small fish, Shrimp. The Oscar is generally semi-aggressive, so choose tank mates accordingly.

What should I feed my Oscar?

The Oscar is an omnivore. Omnivore; cichlid pellets, frozen foods, earthworms, prawns. Feed small amounts twice daily and include variety for optimal health and colour.

How long does a Oscar live?

With proper care, a Oscar can live up to 15 years in captivity. Good water quality, a balanced diet, and appropriate tank mates all contribute to a long, healthy life.

Astronotus ocellatus

Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus)

Name: Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus)
Brand: Tropical Fish Co
SKU: 0331
Price: 215.99 GBP
Availability: PreOrder

Moderate Care

Semi-Aggressive

£215.99In Stock

An intelligent, personable large cichlid often called the 'water dog'. Available now with live arrival guarantee and fast UK delivery.

Cichlid south AmericanCichlidaeFishLive FishModerate CareSemi-Aggressivesite:tropical-fish-coTropical Fish

Care at a Glance

Scientific Name

Astronotus ocellatus

Adult Size

35 cm

Lifespan

15 years

Care Level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

Temperature

22–28°C

pH Range

6–8

Hardness

5–20 dGH

Minimum Tank

450L

Diet

Omnivore; cichlid pellets, frozen foods, earthworms, prawns

Water Parameters

Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors

Temperature

22–28°C

22°CIdeal Range28°C

pH Level

6–8

6Ideal Range8

Water Hardness

5–20 dGH

5 dGHIdeal Range20 dGH

The Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus) is an intelligent, personable large cichlid often called the 'water dog'. Originating from South America (Amazon basin), this semi-aggressive species is rated as moderate care level and can live up to 15 years with proper husbandry.

Care at a Glance

Scientific Name	Astronotus ocellatus
Family	Cichlidae
Origin	South America (Amazon basin)
Care Level	moderate
Temperament	semi-aggressive
Adult Size	35 cm
Minimum Tank Size	450 litres
Temperature	22–28°C
pH Range	6.0–8.0
Water Hardness	5–20 dGH
Diet	Omnivore; cichlid pellets, frozen foods, earthworms, prawns
Lifespan	15 years
Tank Region	middle
Group Size	1 or bonded pair

Origin & Natural Habitat

The Oscar hails from South America (Amazon basin). Oscars are highly intelligent fish that recognise their owners. They grow large and produce significant waste, requiring powerful filtration. Available in Tiger, Red, Albino varieties.

Tank Setup & Water Parameters

Provide a minimum of 450 litres for your Oscar. Adults reach approximately 35 cm, so plan accordingly. Maintain water temperature between 22–28°C with a pH of 6.0–8.0 and hardness of 5–20 dGH. This species primarily occupies the middle region of the aquarium. Recommended group size: 1 or bonded pair.

Feeding Guide

The Oscar is an omnivore. Omnivore; cichlid pellets, frozen foods, earthworms, prawns. Feed small portions twice daily for optimal health and colouration.

Compatible Tank Mates

Good companions for the Oscar include Silver dollars, Large catfish, Plecostomus. Avoid housing with Small fish, Shrimp. You might also consider species such as Astronotus Ocellatus «Tiger», Astronotus Ocellatus «Albino», Astronotus Ocellatus «Red» from our collection.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co?

At Tropical Fish Co, every fish is carefully selected and shipped with care across the UK. We offer live arrival guarantee, expert advice, and competitive prices. Order your Oscar today and enjoy next-day delivery to your door.

Licensed Courier

Moved by UK carriers licensed to handle live animals

Trained Packing

Hand-packed with oxygen bags, poly box, heat pack

Live Arrival Guarantee

Replacement or refund — just tell us the same day

Pay Later Available

Klarna & PayPal Pay in 3 at checkout

How your fish gets to you

Dispatched Tuesday, delivered Wednesday — every order tracked and insured.

Dispatched on Tuesdays by a UK courier legally licensed to carry live animals. You’ll get a tracking number on dispatch morning and live updates through the afternoon.
Hand-packed in an insulated poly box with oxygen bags and (Oct–Apr) 40-hour heat packs. £20 flat rate covers any number of fish.
Covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee. Tell us the same day your fish arrive with a short unboxing video — replacement or refund, no arguments. Why we need a video
You need to be home.Live fish cannot be left on doorsteps or with neighbours — it kills them. Please only order for days when someone will be in to sign.

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