{"product_id":"copper-oscar-astronotus-ocellatus","title":"Copper Oscar | Astronotus ocellatus","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA true wet pet, the Oscar learns its keeper, begs at the glass and grows into a big, intelligent personality fish reaching around 35–45 cm. The Copper Oscar shows the species' warm, coppery-bronze colouring. It gets large and messy, so plan for a serious tank and filtration; in return you get one of the most rewarding and characterful cichlids in the hobby.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAstronotus ocellatus comes from the slow rivers, backwaters and flooded areas of the Amazon basin in tropical South America, where it patrols among submerged wood and roots in warm, soft to neutral water. It is an ambush and opportunistic predator that hunts smaller fish and invertebrates. Robust wood, open swimming space and warm, clean water recreate its home.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA large, heavy-bodied cichlid with a broad head, thick lips and a big, expressive eye. The Copper form displays a rich bronze-copper base, often marbled with darker markings, and typically shows the characteristic ocellus (eye-spot) near the tail. Colour deepens with age, mood and good feeding, and individuals develop noticeably distinct patterns and personalities.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eTemperament is semi-aggressive and predatory. Oscars are not malicious, but they will eat any fish small enough to swallow and can be territorial, especially in tighter quarters. Keep them singly, as a bonded pair, or with other large, robust tank mates in a very big aquarium. They are unsuitable for community tanks and will rearrange decor to suit themselves.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA carnivore leaning omnivore with a large appetite. Feed a quality large-cichlid pellet as the staple, supplemented with frozen and fresh meaty foods such as prawns, mussel, earthworms and the occasional whole feeder-type food. Avoid a diet of only feeder fish or mammalian meat. Feed generously but not to excess, as Oscars produce a heavy waste load.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis is a big, messy fish, so a large tank is essential: a minimum of around 240 L for one, with 300 L or much larger strongly preferred, especially for a pair. Keep temperature at 22–28 °C, pH 6.0–8.0 and GH soft to medium, around 5–20. Powerful filtration, frequent large water changes and secure, robust decor are must-haves. It is not plant safe, as it digs and uproots plants.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eBreeding is achievable with a bonded pair in a large tank. The pair cleans a flat surface and both guard the eggs and fry devotedly, becoming especially defensive at this time. Pairs form best by growing up a group and letting them choose partners. Given the fish's size and aggression while breeding, dedicated space is essential.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003ctable\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAstronotus ocellatus\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCopper Oscar\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAmazon basin, tropical South America\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAround 35–45 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10–15 years with good care\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSemi-aggressive (predatory)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e240 L for one\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e300 L or larger (more for a pair)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarnivore\/omnivore: large cichlid pellets, prawns, mussel, earthworms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e22–28 °C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.0–8.0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoft to medium, around 5–20 dGH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable (freshwater)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLarge cichlid aquariums; a characterful 'wet pet'\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNo (digs and uproots plants)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003c\/table\u003e \u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSuitable tank mates include other large, robust cichlids such as other Oscars, Jack Dempseys and larger Central and South American cichlids, plus big catfish such as a common pleco, all in a suitably large aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAvoid keeping with any fish small enough to be eaten, with slow or timid species, and with delicate community fish. Avoid undersized tanks, as this fish grows large and produces a very heavy waste load.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55232812253475,"sku":null,"price":24.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm)","offer_id":55232812286243,"sku":"BA8355","price":29.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (10-15cm)","offer_id":55232812319011,"sku":null,"price":34.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large (15-40cm)","offer_id":55351967744291,"sku":null,"price":39.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/Copper_Oscar_10cm_1bb4c149-2d4c-48d6-91e9-b9a607abfb2f.jpg?v=1781699412","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/copper-oscar-astronotus-ocellatus","provider":"Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}