Moderate
Astronotus ocellatus mix
22–28°C · pH 6–8 · 450L
£215.99
An intelligent, personable large cichlid often called the 'water dog'. Available now with live arrival guarantee and fast UK delivery.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.
Astronotus ocellatus
An intelligent, personable large cichlid often called the 'water dog'. Available now with live arrival guarantee and fast UK delivery.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.
Cichlids are one of the most diverse fish families in the hobby. From tiny apistogrammas to massive oscars, this guide covers the basics of keeping them well.
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
The Tiger Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus) is the classic "wet pet" — a large, intelligent South American cichlid famous for recognising its owner, begging for food and rearranging its tank to suit itself. With bold black-and-orange marbling, a chunky body reaching around 35cm and a lifespan of up to 15 years, the Oscar is a genuine long-term companion for keepers who can provide the space and filtration a big, messy cichlid demands.
The Tiger form shows irregular fiery orange-red marbling over a dark base, with a distinctive false eye-spot ("ocellus") on the tail base that gives the species its name. Colour and pattern intensify with age, good diet and mood. Oscars are heavy-bodied, deep fish with expressive eyes and mouths, and they are quite capable of moving décor, uprooting plants and redesigning their aquarium.
| Scientific name | Astronotus ocellatus (tiger) |
|---|---|
| Care level | Moderate |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive |
| Adult size | 35 cm |
| Minimum aquarium | 450 litres |
| Temperature | 22–28°C |
| pH | 6.0–8.0 |
| Hardness | 5–20 dGH |
| Diet | Omnivore — cichlid pellets, frozen foods, earthworms, prawns |
| Lifespan | ~15 years |
An Oscar needs serious space — 450 litres or more for a single adult, with a large footprint mattering as much as volume. Provide powerful, oversized filtration and be ready for frequent, generous water changes, because Oscars are heavy waste producers. Use robust hardscape rather than delicate plants, a soft or fine substrate they can shift, and a tight lid. Aim for 22–28°C and neutral-ish water (pH 6.0–8.0).
Semi-aggressive and territorial, especially when breeding, the Oscar will eat anything small enough to swallow. Keep it alone, as a bonded pair, or with large, robust tankmates such as big catfish or similarly sized cichlids in a spacious tank. Avoid small fish, and never use live "feeder" fish, which risk introducing disease and encourage poor eating habits.
Feed a varied omnivore diet based on quality cichlid pellets, supplemented with frozen or fresh foods such as earthworms, prawns and mussel. Avoid a mammal-meat-heavy diet, which can cause health problems. Feed once or twice a day to appetite, and keep on top of water changes — good filtration and clean water are the biggest factors in a healthy, long-lived Oscar.
Oscars are hardy but sensitive to poor water quality, which can trigger "hole-in-the-head" if neglected. On arrival, acclimate slowly, keep the lights low and avoid heavy feeding on the first day. Watch appetite, breathing and colour over the first week, and maintain a stable routine of feeding and water changes thereafter.
Every Tiger Oscar is hand-selected for condition and quarantined before sale. Livestock is packed in oxygenated bags with insulation and heat packs when needed, then sent by tracked, live-animal courier backed by our Live Arrival Guarantee, so your fish reaches you safely anywhere in the UK.
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