Oscar Fish, scientifically known as Astronotus ocellatus, are large, highly intelligent freshwater fish known for their bold personalities and striking appearance. Native to South America’s slow-moving rivers, they are admired for their interactive nature, making them more like aquatic pets than just ornamental fish.

At Sahara Exotics in Ajman, we offer healthy, well-acclimated Oscar Fish suitable for hobbyists in Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and beyond who are looking to build a showpiece aquarium with character and movement.

Impressive Appearance and Growth

Oscar Fish are among the largest tropical aquarium fish commonly kept in home tanks, growing up to 10 to 12 inches in length under proper conditions. They are stocky and oval-shaped, with powerful fins and expressive eyes.

Color varieties available at Sahara Exotics include:

• Tiger Oscar – The most common type, featuring black, orange, and red marbling.

• Albino Oscar – A creamy white body with red or pink eyes and orange accents.

• Red Oscar – Deep red body with dark contrasting shades.

• Lemon Oscar – Bright yellow or lemon-toned body, popular in modern setups.

Oscar Fish are known for recognizing their owners, following movements outside the tank, and even accepting hand feeding once familiar with their environment.

Tank Requirements for UAE Environments

Due to their size and waste output, Oscars require a spacious and well-filtered tank, ideally starting from 55 gallons for a single adult fish. For pairs or community setups, a 75–100 gallon tank is recommended. Good biological and mechanical filtration is essential to manage their bioload.

Water parameters suitable for Oscar Fish in UAE indoor aquariums include:

• Temperature: 24°C to 28°C

• pH: 6.5 to 7.5

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

Use a sturdy aquarium lid, as Oscars may jump when startled. Decor should be limited and robust—these fish like to rearrange gravel and sometimes uproot plants or knock over ornaments.

Behavior and Tankmates

Oscar Fish are territorial and semi-aggressive, especially during feeding or breeding. While they can live with other large, similarly tempered fish, small fish are likely to be seen as prey.

Compatible tankmates (in large tanks only) include:

• Other Oscars

• Large catfish (like Plecos or Synodontis)

• Severums

• Firemouth cichlids

• Silver dollars (in groups)

Always monitor tank dynamics and be ready to separate these fish if aggression becomes excessive.

Diet and Feeding

Oscars are omnivorous with a preference for protein-rich foods. A varied diet ensures optimal color and health. Feed them:

• High-quality cichlid pellets as a staple

• Frozen or live foods like mealworms, earthworms, or shrimp

• Occasional treats: crickets, bloodworms, or fish-safe vegetables like peas

Feed once or twice daily in portions they can finish in under 3 minutes. Avoid feeder fish, as they can introduce diseases or parasites.

Breeding Oscars

Oscar Fish form monogamous pairs and can breed in home aquariums if conditions are right. They lay eggs on flat surfaces and guard their spawn aggressively. Breeding requires space, stable water quality, and often a dedicated tank to avoid conflicts with other fish.

Lifespan and Care

With proper care, Oscar Fish can live up to 10–15 years. Due to their size and intelligence, they need both physical space and mental stimulation. Regular water changes, high-quality food, and interaction with their environment contribute to long-term health.

At Sahara Exotics, we provide premium Oscar Fish for serious aquarists across the UAE. If you’re looking for a bold, interactive fish that offers personality as well as visual impact, the Oscar is an excellent choice for a large tropical aquarium setup.

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