The well known Oscar comes in a few different forms, the ones we see most in Oz are the Red, Tiger, Red Albino & Albino Tiger Oscar.
Most people will buy these cool looking fish as Juvies from the LFS and don't get told they get BIG! (45cm+) and quick, They will out grow a 4ft tank within a year an will need at least a 6x2x18.
They are one of the most interactive species I have come across and almost act like little puppies when shown interest by the owner.
They aren't too fussy with water conditions, feed them a high quality diet with a moderate protein content.
Most LFS will tell you to feed them on frozen beef heart & liver. IMO this is a bad move and will cause more hassle down the track as the Oscar ages.
Feed them on NLS pellets for large cichlids, I think that has a protein content of around 34% which is more than enough for these fish.
They DO NOT need:
High protein Aquaponic pellets
Frozen Beef Heart & Liver
Frozen Cichlid Dinner
Frozen Bloodworms
Frozen or live Pinky's or mice.
Frozen bait designed for saltwater fishing eg: whitebait etc
Live Goldfish
They will thrive on NLS pellets & if you want to feed them something live, get a worm farm and cultivate earthworms, they are a great source of food for you Oscar.
pH - 6.5 - 7.5
GH - 50 - 200ppm
Temp - 24 - 28c
If you've never kept one, do yourself a favor and set a tank up for one, they are a great pet fish.
