Oscar

The oscar is a large freshwater cichlid (family Cichlidae) native to the Amazon basin in South America. Wild fish are dark with orange-red blotches and marbling, while captive breeding has produced tiger, red, albino, and long-fin forms. Oscars are known for their intelligence and their habit of recognizing and interacting with their keepers. They are territorial and can be aggressive, especially toward similar-sized tankmates, and will eat any fish small enough to swallow. They are usually kept singly or as a bonded pair in a species-appropriate setup. An oscar needs a very large aquarium with robust filtration, as it grows quickly and produces substantial waste. A carnivore leaning omnivore, it should be fed quality pellets, and meaty foods, avoiding a feeder-fish-only diet. Pairs are attentive parents that spawn on cleaned flat surfaces.