Red Oscar

Red oscars are similar to the tiger oscar, except this color variant features a broad red-colored body with some black or gray. Red oscars are aggressive and should be kept with other aggressive species and may require their own pet fish tank when they reach eight inches or so. The red on the red oscar is much more prevalent than on the tiger oscar, but the pattern varies on every fish. Pictured is the extreme end of the red coloration; most have a little more black or gray.

Quick Facts

Care Guide

Tank setup: Use a sand bottom, a few large rocks or driftwood, strong filtration and a tight lid, since they can jump. Oscars often rearrange decorations and uproot plants.

Feeding: Feed a quality cichlid pellet once or twice a day. They also enjoy frozen foods like shrimp. Avoid feeder goldfish, which can carry disease.

Tankmates: Oscars can live with other large, peaceful-to-semi-aggressive fish like silver dollars, large plecos, severums and other oscars. They will eat any fish that fits in their mouth.

Good to know: Oscars are known as "water puppies" for their personality and often learn to recognize their owners and beg for food.