Freshwater Oscars
Gorgeous giants - Begin your large-species aquarist journey with our range of Oscars.
Oscars are members of the cichlid family and are known for their rapid growth. A hardy species, they can reach around 12 cm (5”) to 25 cm (10”) in their first year alone. While suitable for beginners due to their tolerance of varied water conditions, it is essential to plan for their eventual size and ensure you have (or will soon have) a suitably sized aquarium.
Although Oscars are often labelled as aggressive, this isn't entirely accurate. Rather than being bullies, they are opportunistic feeders and will eat anything that fits in their mouths. Because of this, choosing suitable tankmates is essential, as small fish will quickly become a meal.
Oscar Care
Oscars are not demanding when it comes to water parameters, but their size means that a consistent and thorough cleaning routine is crucial. Larger tanks require more maintenance, and Oscars produce significant waste. They can also be sensitive to poor water quality. While their body form is fairly consistent across varieties, they come in an impressive range of colours and markings. Popular choices include the Albino Oscar, Albino Red Oscar, the Red Tiger Oscar, the original Wild Oscar, and newer varieties such as the Yellow Lemon Oscar.
Oscars Natural Habitat
In nature, Oscars are native to South America, particularly the Amazon, Içá, Negro, Solimões and Ucayali River systems. Established feral populations also exist in parts of Australia and China. They favour slow-moving waters and are typically found in river basins.
Oscars Behaviour & Compatibility
Oscars are interactive and engaging fish, often forming strong bonds with their keepers. They are sometimes described as the “dogs of the aquarium” and may greet you with enthusiasm. This energy makes a secure lid essential, as excited Oscars have been known to jump. They are best kept in pairs or groups of four or more; trios can lead to one fish being excluded.
Because they will consume anything they can swallow, tankmates must be of similar size. Avoid small crustaceans as they are a favourite food. Suitable companions include Silver Dollars, Clown Loaches (once grown large enough), and other sizeable cichlids such as Vieja Hartwegi/Talibar Cichlids, Red Devil, and Jack Dempsey. Larger species like Silver Arowana and Platinum Arowana may also be compatible when appropriately sized.
Oscars Fish Tank Set-up Tips
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Tank
Oscars are often unintentionally mistreated due to underestimation of their eventual size. A single Oscar requires at least 285 litres (75 gallons), and while juveniles may be kept temporarily in smaller tanks, they grow quickly. As Oscars thrive at a minimum in pairs, the following guide begins at two fish. Longer tanks are ideal to give them adequate swimming space.
| Recommended Max Fish Count |
Tank Volume |
| 2 Oscars |
285 Litres (75 gallons) |
| 4 Oscars |
851 Litres (225 gallons) |
| 5 Oscars |
985 Litres (260 gallons) |
| 6 Oscars |
1060 Litres (280 gallons) |
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Base
Oscars love to pick up and spit out substrate, which makes fine gravel preferable to sand. Sand can be blown into filters and cause damage over time, while larger stones remove the opportunity for this natural behaviour.
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Foliage
Oscars frequently rearrange aquarium decor, so it is best to use sturdy pieces that won’t topple easily. A lightly decorated aquascape gives them the space they need to grow. A combination of durable plastic plants, a few rocks and a central piece of driftwood works well.
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Water
Oscars adapt to a range of water parameters as long as water quality is clean and stable. Ideal temperatures are 23-27 °C (71-81 °F). Depending on your climate, a water heater may be necessary.
Aim for a pH of 6.4-8.5 and hardness of 1-15 DGH. To monitor this accurately, consider using a water testing kit.
Strong filtration is essential. Change 20% of the water weekly (or 40% fortnightly), clean the substrate regularly and treat tap water with appropriate water conditioners before adding it to the tank.
Feeding and Care
Although Oscars will readily eat small fish, this does not reflect their natural diet. In the wild they feed primarily on insects, crustaceans, fruits and plant debris. Offer a varied diet at home: high-quality pellets or wafers as a base, along with occasional frozen or live freshwater shrimp, worms, crickets and vegetables such as peas or cucumber.
Great reasons to keep Oscars in your tropical fish tank
- Their intelligence and personality make them rewarding fish for pets and highly interactive companions.
- They offer an excellent first step into the world of larger aquarium species.
- These cool fishes look stunning and thrive with the right tankmates.
Explore our range of Oscars and find the most engaging live fish online you will ever keep. Whether you prefer the Wild Oscar or a unique variety such as the Yellow Lemon Oscar, ensure you have a suitably sized aquarium and enjoy years of interaction with these impressive fish.
