Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Live Plant Safe: No

General Description: The Red Chili Oscar is an ornamental strain of the the wild-type Red Tiger Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus), which is found widely throughout the Amazon region in South America. A popular cichlid, hobbyists should take into account the large adult size and long lifespan [approximately 10 – 20 years] of an Oscar before considering one for their aquarium. For its large size (12 – 14″) however, the Red Chili oscar is a relatively non-aggressive cichlid so long as it is not kept with small fishes that can become a meal. Maintaining the aquascape in an aquarium with a Red Chili oscar can often feel like a losing battle, as they can dig and move around what decor is present. There are no diagnosable differences between male and female Red Chili oscars. Juvenile oscars are one of the quickest growing cichlids, especially when their diets are being supplemented correctly.

Diet Requirements: Oscars are omnivorous in nature, consuming fish, crustaceans, insects, and plant matter. One of the unfussiest eaters in the aquarium trade, a diet made up of various high quality protein and vegetable based foods are ideal. Such options include frozen brine shrimp, mussels, and pieces of krill or silverside fish. Foods containing Spirulina algae are a plus. Oscars will accept large sinking pellet foods and flake foods, but these should not make up the majority of their diet. Live earthworms are a favorite treat. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish. We discourage feeding live fish to Oscars because they are often of little nutritional value and increase the risk of introducing disease. Oscars are notorious for becoming greedy and will often learn to “beg” for food, but feeding only once a day should be exercised.

Care Requirements: A minimum 55 to 75 gallon aquarium is ideal for small Red Chili oscars. An adult Oscar requires much more space upwards of 125+ gallons. This cichlid cannot be put into a biologically immature aquarium. Weekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters pristine (Nitrates < 15 ppm) as Oscars do not like high nitrates and deteriorating water parameters. Poor water quality will result in your Oscar having deformities and hole in the head disease, which are permanent. Equipping the aquarium with a canister filter can also be advantageous to maintain a healthier environment for a Red Chili oscar. Oscars are relatively indifferent to aquarium decor, but some stacked rocks to create caves, driftwood and other natural looking arrangements will bring out the beauty of this cichlid. Some unobstructed and open swimming space should also be provided. A sandy or fine substrate several inches deep is preferred and the aquarium needs to be well oxygenated. Oscars are compatible with a wide variety of fish, so long as they are not overly boisterous in nature or too small to eat. If you are interested in keeping multiple Oscars together, we suggest getting them all at a young age and adding them simultaneously for the best success. Recommended water conditions, 74-84° F, KH 5-19, pH 6.0-7.0.

Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2” to 2-1/2”; Medium: 2-3/4” to 3-3/4”; Large: 4” to 5”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.