Information on Cichlids and Tiger Oscars

Tiger oscars, also known as velvet cichlids, are a member of the cichlid family. All cichlids are predominantly fresh water dwellers, but several species are able to survive in salt water for a short period.

  1. Habitat

    • Cichlids are categorized as New World cichlids (Central and South America) and Old World Cichlids (Africa and Asia). As of 2010 there were 1,600 to 3,000 different species. There is no definite number because new species are found yearly and much of the habitat of cichlids remains unexplored.

    Tiger Oscars

    • Tiger oscars are classified as New World cichlids, and are native to the fresh water rivers of South America.

    Feeding

    • Tiger oscars mainly eat other fish small enough to fit in its mouth, but will also eat any dead fish, insects, snails, crayfish and clams in their natural habitat. Some cichlid species live on algae and plant matter.

    Breeding

    • Tiger oscars, like many cichlid species, become very aggressive during the breeding season. Both females and males prepare the nesting site, where the female lays 1,000 to 2,000 eggs. Some species of cichlid are "mouth-breeders." The females carry the eggs or small fry in their mouths to protect them from danger.

    Aquariums

    • While easy to feed and breed, cichlids require a stable environment and sudden changes in temperature, Ph, and nitrate levels can easily kill them. They can be timid around other kinds of fish of similar size. They should not be placed with tiny fish because they will eat them. They will also nip the fins of other long-tailed fish.