Tiger Oscar 5-7cm

Description

Tiger Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus)

Bold, intelligent and packed with personality, the Tiger Oscar is one of the world's most iconic freshwater cichlids. Famous for its striking orange and black tiger-like markings, interactive behaviour and ability to recognise its owner, the Tiger Oscar is often described as having the personality of a pet dog. Perfect for aquarists wanting a true wet pet, this impressive fish quickly becomes the star of any large aquarium.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Astronotus ocellatus
  • Common name: Tiger Oscar
  • Current size: Approximately 5–8 cm
  • Adult size: Up to 35 cm
  • Tank size: 350L+ for a single adult (500L+ for a pair)
  • Difficulty: 🟑 Moderate
  • Temperament: Semi-aggressive and territorial
  • Best kept: Singly, as a compatible pair, or with carefully selected large cichlids

Is this for you?

βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

  • You want a large, interactive freshwater fish.
  • You enjoy intelligent fish that recognise their owner.
  • You have a large aquarium with excellent filtration.
  • You're looking for a true centrepiece fish.

❌ Avoid if:

  • Your aquarium is under 350 litres.
  • You keep small community fish.
  • You want a heavily planted aquascape.
  • You cannot perform regular large water changes.

Why choose the Tiger Oscar?

The Tiger Oscar is famous not only for its spectacular orange and black colouration but also for its incredible intelligence. Many owners report their Oscar recognising them, begging for food and even interacting through the aquarium glass.

Native to the Amazon Basin, Oscars are curious, powerful fish that constantly rearrange their surroundings by moving substrate, rocks and decorations. Their confident personality makes every aquarium feel alive, and their behaviour often becomes the highlight of the fish room.

While they are capable predators, they are also surprisingly personable, forming routines with their keepers and quickly learning feeding times.

Benefits

  • Highly intelligent and interactive
  • Beautiful orange and black tiger pattern
  • Excellent "wet pet" personality
  • Long lifespan with proper care
  • Rewarding to keep and observe
  • Impressive centrepiece for large aquariums

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 24–28Β°C
  • pH: 6.5–7.5
  • Diet: High-quality cichlid pellets, earthworms, insects, frozen prawns, mussels and other quality protein-rich foods
  • Water: Excellent filtration with regular large water changes
  • Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
  • Setup: Large open swimming areas with sturdy driftwood, rocks and robust decorations
  • Use a secure lid, as Oscars are powerful fish capable of jumping.
  • Avoid feeder fish, as they can introduce parasites and nutritional deficiencies.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Severums
  • Silver Dollars
  • Large Plecos
  • Geophagus species
  • Bichirs (in suitably large aquariums)
NTA Insight:
Tiger Oscars are one of the most rewarding freshwater fish you can own, but they should never be purchased based on their juvenile size. A small Oscar can exceed 30 cm within a couple of years under proper care. Providing a large aquarium, powerful filtration and a varied diet allows them to develop outstanding colour, excellent health and the engaging personality that has made them legendary among fish keepers.

FAQ

How big do Tiger Oscars grow?

Adult Tiger Oscars commonly reach 30–35 cm, with exceptional specimens growing even larger under ideal conditions.

Are Tiger Oscars aggressive?

They are considered semi-aggressive. While they often tolerate similarly sized fish, they will eat anything that fits in their mouth and can become territorial, particularly during breeding.

Can they live in planted aquariums?

Not usually. Oscars enjoy digging and moving decorations, and they often uproot or damage live plants.

What should I feed them?

A varied diet of premium cichlid pellets supplemented with earthworms, insects, frozen seafood and other high-quality protein sources will keep them healthy and vibrant.

Do Tiger Oscars recognise their owners?

Yes. Oscars are widely regarded as one of the most intelligent freshwater fish and often learn to recognise the people who feed and interact with them.

How long do Tiger Oscars live?

With excellent care, Tiger Oscars commonly live between 10 and 15 years, with some individuals living even longer.

Can I keep more than one Oscar?

Yes, but only in a suitably large aquarium. Compatibility varies between individuals, and additional space and hiding areas are essential to reduce aggression.

Tiger Oscar 5-7cm

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$25.00


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    Description

    Tiger Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus)

    Bold, intelligent and packed with personality, the Tiger Oscar is one of the world's most iconic freshwater cichlids. Famous for its striking orange and black tiger-like markings, interactive behaviour and ability to recognise its owner, the Tiger Oscar is often described as having the personality of a pet dog. Perfect for aquarists wanting a true wet pet, this impressive fish quickly becomes the star of any large aquarium.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Astronotus ocellatus
    • Common name: Tiger Oscar
    • Current size: Approximately 5–8 cm
    • Adult size: Up to 35 cm
    • Tank size: 350L+ for a single adult (500L+ for a pair)
    • Difficulty: 🟑 Moderate
    • Temperament: Semi-aggressive and territorial
    • Best kept: Singly, as a compatible pair, or with carefully selected large cichlids

    Is this for you?

    βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

    • You want a large, interactive freshwater fish.
    • You enjoy intelligent fish that recognise their owner.
    • You have a large aquarium with excellent filtration.
    • You're looking for a true centrepiece fish.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • Your aquarium is under 350 litres.
    • You keep small community fish.
    • You want a heavily planted aquascape.
    • You cannot perform regular large water changes.

    Why choose the Tiger Oscar?

    The Tiger Oscar is famous not only for its spectacular orange and black colouration but also for its incredible intelligence. Many owners report their Oscar recognising them, begging for food and even interacting through the aquarium glass.

    Native to the Amazon Basin, Oscars are curious, powerful fish that constantly rearrange their surroundings by moving substrate, rocks and decorations. Their confident personality makes every aquarium feel alive, and their behaviour often becomes the highlight of the fish room.

    While they are capable predators, they are also surprisingly personable, forming routines with their keepers and quickly learning feeding times.

    Benefits

    • Highly intelligent and interactive
    • Beautiful orange and black tiger pattern
    • Excellent "wet pet" personality
    • Long lifespan with proper care
    • Rewarding to keep and observe
    • Impressive centrepiece for large aquariums

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 24–28Β°C
    • pH: 6.5–7.5
    • Diet: High-quality cichlid pellets, earthworms, insects, frozen prawns, mussels and other quality protein-rich foods
    • Water: Excellent filtration with regular large water changes
    • Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
    • Setup: Large open swimming areas with sturdy driftwood, rocks and robust decorations
    • Use a secure lid, as Oscars are powerful fish capable of jumping.
    • Avoid feeder fish, as they can introduce parasites and nutritional deficiencies.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Severums
    • Silver Dollars
    • Large Plecos
    • Geophagus species
    • Bichirs (in suitably large aquariums)
    NTA Insight:
    Tiger Oscars are one of the most rewarding freshwater fish you can own, but they should never be purchased based on their juvenile size. A small Oscar can exceed 30 cm within a couple of years under proper care. Providing a large aquarium, powerful filtration and a varied diet allows them to develop outstanding colour, excellent health and the engaging personality that has made them legendary among fish keepers.

    FAQ

    How big do Tiger Oscars grow?

    Adult Tiger Oscars commonly reach 30–35 cm, with exceptional specimens growing even larger under ideal conditions.

    Are Tiger Oscars aggressive?

    They are considered semi-aggressive. While they often tolerate similarly sized fish, they will eat anything that fits in their mouth and can become territorial, particularly during breeding.

    Can they live in planted aquariums?

    Not usually. Oscars enjoy digging and moving decorations, and they often uproot or damage live plants.

    What should I feed them?

    A varied diet of premium cichlid pellets supplemented with earthworms, insects, frozen seafood and other high-quality protein sources will keep them healthy and vibrant.

    Do Tiger Oscars recognise their owners?

    Yes. Oscars are widely regarded as one of the most intelligent freshwater fish and often learn to recognise the people who feed and interact with them.

    How long do Tiger Oscars live?

    With excellent care, Tiger Oscars commonly live between 10 and 15 years, with some individuals living even longer.

    Can I keep more than one Oscar?

    Yes, but only in a suitably large aquarium. Compatibility varies between individuals, and additional space and hiding areas are essential to reduce aggression.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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