How to Raise Oscars

The mottled freshwater Oscar, or Astronotus ocellatus, with its oval body and large eyes, is a popular choice for home aquarium enthusiasts because, according to the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology, the fish are able to be trained to recognize their owners and perform simple tricks in exchange for food. Popular as they are, the keeping and raising of Oscar fish requires a larger aquarium and more attention than similar species of tropical fish.

Things You'll Need

  • Large fish tank
  • Rock formations
  • Live worms or brine shrimp
  • Raw beef hearts (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a large tank with a good ventilation system that is easy to clean. Oscars can commonly outgrow a 30-gallon tank within a year. They require frequent water changes as they are messy eaters and notoriously defecate frequently.

    • 2

      Place well-secured rock formations in their tank. Oscars like to have shelter for resting or breeding.

    • 3

      Keep water temperature between 74 °F and 81°F and with lightly acidic pH level ranging from 6.0 to 8.0.

    • 4

      Feed your Oscar fish live fish worms or brine shrimp. Control the amount they eat, as Oscars will eat as often and as much as is offered, and are prone to overeating.

    • 5

      Treat your Oscar to pieces of raw beef heart or organs occasionally. Do not, however, make this the basis of its diet.