INDEX
CICHLID
|
THE FISH
Oscar
(Albino Red Oscar)
Astronotus ocellatus
| HABITS |
|
The 'Family Pet' of fish, Oscar is one of the best known and most kept of the cichlids. Cute little fish when young, they turn into 'bulls' as adults. These fish are often mistakenly purchased as "pretty" fish, only to eat their tank mates very quickly. This is a warning to definitely not pop them into your community aquarium. On the other hand, these fish are fascinating to watch grow up. It is truly amazing to see how their looks and habits change as they rapidly grow into adulthood. Unfortunately, once grown, they do not mix well with other fish, and often end up as loners, with only an odd fish or so as a tank mate.
|
|
|
| SIZE |
|
These fish grow to around 15 inches.
|
|
|
| FOOD |
|
See recommended sera Foods below
|
|
|
FOOD
TYPES |
|
|
|
|
| SEXING |
|
It is very difficult to tell the sexes apart. Since their tubes are different, you can distinguish the sexes when they mate. The male has a narrow, more pointed tube; while the female's is blunt and shorter.
|
|
|
| BREEDING |
|
These fish are generally good parents, guarding their eggs and fry. But as so often happens with cichlids, the eggs sometimes get eaten. Spawns can be large and may number as high as 1,000 eggs. The eggs hatch in 3 to 4 days and grow rapidly if fed generously.
|
|
|
|
The Fish
© Copyright
|
