Oscar
⚠ Large, messy, 'wet pet' cichlid; big filtration + tank
Overview
The Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus) is a Freshwater (Tropical) fish growing to about 12–14 in and living 10–20 yrs. It's aggressive and best kept in a pair or small group. Plan a tank of at least 75+ gal. With a typical lifespan of around 15 years, it's a long commitment.
Is the Oscar right for you?
A good match if — you can keep water parameters stable.
Think twice if — this is your first tank — this species is demanding; you wanted a peaceful community tank; you wanted several of the same kind together.
What an Oscar needs from you
The ongoing work is water quality: filtration, regular water changes and stable parameters. As a tropical fish it needs a stable, heated tank. Keep it singly, or it will fight its own kind. Don't undersize the tank (minimum about 75+ gal).
Key facts
- Water type
- Freshwater (Tropical)
- Scientific name
- Astronotus ocellatus
- Adult size
- 12–14 in
- Life span
- 10–20 yrs
- Temperament
- aggressive
- Social needs
- solo/pair
- Min. tank
- 75+ gal
- Care level
- advanced
- Notes
- ⚠ Large, messy, 'wet pet' cichlid; big filtration + tank
What it needs from you (at a glance)
| Space needed | |
| Experience needed | |
| Maintenance | |
| Time per day | |
| Need for company | |
| Handling / closeness | |
| Cost level |
What it costs
Scaled to this breed’s roughly 300 g and a ~15-year life, keeping an Oscar works out at about:
Rough cross-breed averages in USD — a planning guide, not a quote. Break it down by life phase in the Cost Calculator →
Temperament (at a glance)
| Affection | no data yet |
| Energy | no data yet |
| Vocalness | |
| Trainability | no data yet |
| Tolerates alone | no data yet |