- Sku: 220322
- Vendor: Squeaky's Aquatics
Wild Zebra Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus)
The Wild Zebra Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus) is a boldly barred color form of the classic oscar, with bold yellow-green bars across a near-black body and the eye-spot on the tail that gives the species its name. Intermediate care and semi-aggressive, oscars learn their owners, beg at the glass, and grow into 12 inch centerpiece fish. Browse our freshwater livestock and supplies to set up for one.
Care Guide
- Tank size: 75 gallons for one adult, 125 gallons or more for a pair. Juveniles grow fast, often an inch a month, so plan the big tank from day one.
- Filtration: heavy. Oscars are messy eaters, so run a canister or sump rated well above the tank volume and change 25 to 30 percent of the water weekly.
- Water parameters: 74 to 81°F, pH 6.0 to 8.0, soft to moderately hard water.
- Feeding: carnivore. A quality cichlid pellet as the staple, plus frozen shrimp, krill and earthworms as treats. Skip feeder goldfish, they carry disease and poor nutrition.
- Aquascape: sturdy decor and a secure lid. Oscars rearrange gravel and uproot plants, and a startled one can jump.
Specifications
| Scientific name | Astronotus ocellatus |
| Variety | Wild Zebra (barred) |
| Care level | Intermediate |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive |
| Max size | 12 to 14 inches |
| Minimum tank | 75 gallons |
| Temperature | 74 to 81°F |
| pH | 6.0 to 8.0 |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Lifespan | 10 to 15 years or more |
| Origin | Amazon basin, South America (this variety is aquarium bred) |
| Pickup | In-store pickup at Squeaky's Aquatics |
Compatibility
Keep with fish too big to swallow: large cichlids like severums and other big South American cichlids, silver dollars, and large plecos in a roomy tank. Want a different look? We also carry the Albino Oscar, Tiger Oscar, Red Oscar and Longfin Oscar. Anything that fits in its mouth will eventually be eaten, so no tetras, small cories or dwarf shrimp.
Recommended Foods & Supplies
- Hikari Cichlid Gold Pellet, a color-enhancing staple for oscars
- Vitalis Cichlid Carnivore Pellets for a high-protein diet
- Water care and conditioners for the big weekly water changes
- Water test kits to keep an eye on nitrate
FAQ
Will the barring stay?
Pattern and contrast shift as oscars mature and with mood, so expect some change as it grows.
Can I keep two?
Only in 125 gallons or more. Oscars pair off and can turn on a tank mate they do not get along with.
What should I feed?
A quality cichlid pellet daily, with frozen shrimp, krill or earthworms a few times a week.
Have a question?
Wild Zebra Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus)
