{"product_id":"longfin-oscar-astronotus-ocellatus-freshwater","title":"Longfin Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus)","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;color:#1a1a1a;max-width:860px;line-height:1.7;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#E3F2FD;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding:10px 14px;margin:0 0 14px;font-size:0.95em;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIn-store pickup only.\u003c\/strong\u003e Your order is reserved, we hold off on bagging until you arrive so it stays healthy in its display tank.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eLongfin Oscar\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eAstronotus ocellatus\u003c\/em\u003e) is the same big, clever, wet pet cichlid as the classic Oscar, bred for long, flowing fins that trail behind it like a veil. These are a mixed color lot, so the group in our tank can include tiger, red, albino, and lemon patterns, and you get to pick the one that catches your eye. Like every Oscar it learns who feeds it, begs at the glass, and redecorates its own tank. It also grows fast and grows big, so it is a fish you plan a tank around rather than one you add to a tank you already have. Browse the rest of our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/fresh-water\"\u003efreshwater livestock and supplies\u003c\/a\u003e and our full \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/fish\"\u003efish collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#FFF8E1;border-left:4px solid #F9A825;padding:10px 14px;margin:14px 0;font-size:0.95em;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThat 3 inch fish becomes a 10 to 12 inch fish.\u003c\/strong\u003e Young Oscars can put on an inch a month. Plan on a 75 gallon tank or larger for one adult before you take one home, with heavy filtration and a tight lid.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eWhat the Long Fins Change\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnderneath the fins this is a standard \u003cem\u003eAstronotus ocellatus\u003c\/em\u003e, so size, diet, water, and temperament are the same as our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/tiger-oscar-astronotus-ocellatus-freshwater-cichlid\"\u003eTiger Oscar\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/snow-white-albino-oscar-astronotus-ocellatus-freshwater-cichlid\"\u003eSnow White Albino Oscar\u003c\/a\u003e. The fins do add three things to think about. Long fins tear on sharp rock and rough decor, so choose smooth stone and driftwood. Torn or ragged fins are also the first place poor water shows up as fin rot, which makes a clean tank even more important than it is for a short finned Oscar. Finally, a longfin swims a touch slower, so it can lose out at feeding time to a fast, pushy tankmate and is an easy target for any fish that likes to nip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eCare Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75 gallons for a single adult, with 125 gallons or more for a pair or an Oscar with large tankmates. A juvenile can start smaller, but it will outgrow a small tank within months.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFiltration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Oscars are messy eaters that produce a lot of waste. Run a canister such as the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/sicce-whale-canister-filter\"\u003eSicce Whale Canister Filter\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/aquatop-forza-canister-filter\"\u003eAquatop Forza Canister Filter\u003c\/a\u003e rated well above the tank size.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater changes:\u003c\/strong\u003e 30 to 50 percent weekly. High nitrate over time is linked to hole in the head disease and fin rot, and a longfin shows fin damage fast. Treat new water with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/seachem-prime-complete-concentrated-water-conditioner\"\u003eSeachem Prime\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e 74 to 81°F, pH 6.0 to 8.0. Stability matters more than hitting a perfect number.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e a quality cichlid pellet as the staple, such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/hikari-cichlid-gold-pellet\"\u003eHikari Cichlid Gold\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/hikari-cichlid-excel\"\u003eHikari Cichlid Excel\u003c\/a\u003e, with frozen \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/sfbb-krill-cube-3-5oz\"\u003ekrill\u003c\/a\u003e as a treat. Feed juveniles small amounts two or three times a day and adults once a day. Skip feeder goldfish, which carry disease and offer poor nutrition.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDecor:\u003c\/strong\u003e smooth rock, driftwood, and heavy ornaments that cannot be tipped. Oscars dig and move things, and loose plants will be uprooted. Keep sharp edges out of the tank for the sake of the fins.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLid:\u003c\/strong\u003e Oscars can jump, especially when startled. Keep the tank covered.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;max-width:640px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eAstronotus ocellatus\u003c\/em\u003e, longfin line\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon names\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eLongfin Oscar, Veiltail Oscar, Long Fin Oscar Cichlid\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColors\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eMixed, may include tiger, red, albino, and lemon patterns\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eSemi-aggressive, predatory toward small fish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCurrent size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eAbout 3 inches, juvenile\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e10 to 12 inches\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum tank\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e75 gallons for one adult\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e74 to 81°F\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e6.0 to 8.0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eCarnivore leaning omnivore, cichlid pellets plus frozen treats\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLifespan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e10 to 15 years or more\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eCaptive bred ornamental line. The wild species is from the Amazon basin of South America\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater type\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eFreshwater\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePickup\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eIn-store pickup at Squeaky's Aquatics\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany keepers give an Oscar a tank of its own, and honestly that is the simplest way to keep one happy. If you want company, tankmates need to be too big to swallow, calm enough not to pick at long fins, and the tank needs to be large. Other Oscars, including our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/tiger-oscar-astronotus-ocellatus-freshwater-cichlid\"\u003eTiger Oscar\u003c\/a\u003e, are the classic pairing in a big enough tank. A school of full grown \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/silver-dollar-metynnis-argenteus-freshwater\"\u003eSilver Dollars\u003c\/a\u003e works well as dither fish once the Oscar and the dollars are close in size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat goes wrong: anything small enough to fit in its mouth, which includes tetras, guppies, rasboras, small corys, and shrimp, will eventually be eaten. Fin nippers such as tiger barbs and serpae tetras will shred those long fins. Very aggressive cichlids will bully a slower longfin at the food. Small plecos and snails often end up as snacks, and live plants are usually dug up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eRecommended Foods \u0026amp; Supplies\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/hikari-cichlid-gold-pellet\"\u003eHikari Cichlid Gold Pellet\u003c\/a\u003e everyday staple that brings out color\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/hikari-cichlid-excel\"\u003eHikari Cichlid Excel\u003c\/a\u003e to rotate in some plant matter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/sfbb-krill-cube-3-5oz\"\u003eSFBB Krill Cube\u003c\/a\u003e frozen treat a couple of times a week\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/sicce-whale-canister-filter\"\u003eSicce Whale Canister Filter\u003c\/a\u003e for the heavy waste load\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/hikari-texas-holey-rock-resin-cichlid-cave\"\u003eHikari Texas Holey Rock Cave\u003c\/a\u003e smooth, heavy decor it cannot tip\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/fritz-nitrate-test-kit-aquarium\"\u003eFritz Nitrate Test Kit\u003c\/a\u003e to keep an eye on the number that matters most\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhich color will I get?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese come in as a mixed color lot, so what is in the tank varies from week to week. Come by and pick the one you like, or ask us what is in stock right now.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow big will it get, and how fast?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e10 to 12 inches as an adult, and a healthy juvenile can grow about an inch a month early on. Buy the adult tank first, or at least have it planned.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs a longfin harder to keep than a regular Oscar?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSlightly. Everything is the same except the fins, which need smooth decor, clean water, and tankmates that will not nip. If your water changes are consistent, a longfin is no more work than a standard Oscar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMy Oscar is lying on its side after I moved the rocks. Is it dying?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUsually not. Oscars are famous for sulking, lying still or going pale after a water change, a rearrangement, or a scare. Test the water to be sure, keep the lights low, and it normally bounces back within a day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I feed it feeder fish?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe do not recommend it. Feeder fish are a common source of parasites and disease, and they are poor nutrition compared to a good pellet. Oscars take pellets eagerly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Squeaky's Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49318857244891,"sku":"8183170","price":17.49,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"url":"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/longfin-oscar-astronotus-ocellatus-freshwater","provider":"Squeaky's Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}