Red Tiger Oscar

Scientific Name: Astronotus ocellatus

The Red Tiger Oscar is one of the most recognizable and popular large South American cichlids. It develops a dark body covered in striking red-to-orange patterning, with every individual displaying a slightly different combination of markings. Oscars are also known for their intelligence, bold personalities, and ability to recognize and interact with their owners.

Red Tiger Oscars are commonly sold as very small juveniles, but customers need to understand that they become very large fish. Astronotus ocellatus can reach around 14 inches, has a potential lifespan of 10–20 years, and requires substantially more aquarium space and filtration than its juvenile size suggests.

Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive / Predatory
Purchase Size: Approximately 1.5–2.5 inches — Juvenile
Adult Size: Approximately 12–14 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons recommended for one; larger strongly preferred
Temperature: 68–82°F
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: 5–20 dGH
Diet: Omnivore with a preference for meaty foods
Origin: South America
Lifespan: Potentially 10–20 years

Recommended Setup: Oscars require a large aquarium with powerful filtration because they produce substantial waste as they grow. Provide plenty of open swimming room along with large pieces of driftwood and secure rocks. A soft sand substrate works well, but elaborate aquascaping and delicate rooted plants are generally unsuitable because Oscars frequently dig and rearrange their environment. Seriously Fish recommends a footprint around 60 × 24 inches even for a single adult.

Feed a high-quality large-cichlid pellet as the staple diet supplemented with foods such as earthworms, shrimp, prawns, insects, and appropriate frozen foods. Avoid routinely feeding mammalian or poultry meat, and feeder fish are unnecessary and can introduce parasites or disease.

Please Note: You are purchasing a juvenile Red Tiger Oscar. Juveniles are significantly smaller than mature Oscars and their red/orange coloration and individual pattern will continue developing as they grow. Every Red Tiger Oscar has naturally varying coloration and markings. Oscars are difficult to sex visually, so sex is not guaranteed.

IMPORTANT: Oscars grow rapidly into very large fish. Customers should purchase this species based on its adult requirements, not the size of the juvenile received.

All livestock from Felipe’s Fish is carefully selected and prepared for safe transport. Please review our shipping and Live Arrival Guarantee policies before ordering.