Oscar (fish) Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Oscar

Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Perciformes
Family:	Cichlidae
Genus:	Astronotus
Species:	A. ocellatus
Binomial name
*Astronotus ocellatus* Agassiz, 1831

Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus) is a species of fish from the cichlid family. Oscars have many common names. Some of these names are oscar, tiger oscar, velvet cichlid, and marble cichlid. The scientific name for the oscar species is A. ocellatus. Oscars can grow up to 16 inches (40cm) long and weigh over 3 pounds (1.5kg). The Oscar fish is a smart species of fish. Oscars are popular as aquarium fish. Oscars are also very aggressive.

Habitat
Description
Behavior
Feeding
Reproduction
Images for kids
See also

Habitat

The species naturally resides in tropical South America. It is native to Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname, Peru, and Venezuela, and occurs in the Amazon River basin, along the Amazon, Içá, Negro, Solimões, and Ucayali River systems, and also in the Approuague and Oyapock River drainages. In its natural environment, the species typically occurs in slow-moving white-water habitats, and has been observed sheltering under submerged branches.

The Oscar has been introduced to other areas, including India, China, Australia, and the United State, where it is considered a popular aquarium fish.

Description

The Oscar is a large predatory fish at grows to a reasonable size. Their bodies are colorful and dark colors mixed with bright colors.

The species is able to rapidly alter its colouration. Juvenile oscars have a different colouration from adults, and are striped with white and orange wavy bands and have spotted heads.

Behavior

The Oscar is an aggressive predator from the Amazon River. Oscars create territories and attack other fish that come into their territory.

Feeding

Oscar fish are omnivores.

Most fish eaten by Oscars in the wild are relatively sedentary catfish. The species uses a suction mechanism to capture prey. Wild oscars also consume shrimp, snails, insects and insect larvae, as well as fruits and nuts on a seasonal basis. The species also has an absolute requirement for vitamin C, and develops health problems in its absence.

Captive oscars may be fed prepared fish food designed for large carnivorous fish. They can also eat crayfish, worms, and insects.

Reproduction

The species reaches sexual maturity around one year of age, and continues to reproduce for 9–10 years.

Young Oscar, about 2 in

In captivity, pairs are known to select and clean generally flattened horizontal or vertical surfaces on which to lay their eggs. Smaller females lay around 300-500 eggs, while larger female oscars can lay about 2,500-3,000 eggs.