All You Need to Know About Oscar Fish

Oscar Fish are among the most popular freshwater aquarium fish, known for their striking colours, intelligence, and bold personalities. Native to South America, they can grow up to 35 cm and live for 10–15 years with proper care. Keeping Oscar Fish requires a spacious tank of at least 200–250 litres, strong filtration, and a tight-fitting lid since they are known to jump, especially during feeding. A protein-rich, varied diet is essential for their growth, immunity, and vibrant colours. High-quality foods like Intan Arowana Sticks, which contain 44% protein, Astaxanthin, and premium ingredients such as fish meal, squid meal, and krill, are ideal for Oscars. These sticks enhance natural colours, boost immunity, and serve as a safe replacement for live feed while keeping the fish active and thriving. With the right setup, balanced nutrition, and regular care, Oscars make rewarding companions and a stunning centrepiece in any aquarium.

About Oscar Fish

The Oscar Fish is one of the most popular and charismatic freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby. Known for its striking colours, bold personality, and intelligence, the Oscar Fish can be both a stunning showpiece and an interactive companion. But keeping one isn’t just about aesthetics. Proper care, diet, and habitat are essential for their health and well-being.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Oscar Fish, including tank setup, feeding habits, behaviour, and common care tips.

What is an Oscar Fish?

The Oscar Fish (Astronotus ocellatus) is a member of the cichlid family and native to South America, particularly the Amazon River basin. These fish are known for their vibrant red, orange and black markings, which can vary widely depending on genetics and diet.

Key facts about Oscar Fish:

• Adult size: 25 - 35 cm in a tank
• Lifespan: 10 - 15 years with proper care
• Behaviour: Intelligent, territorial, and highly interactive
• Tank mates: Best kept with other large, robust fish

Tank Requirements for Oscar Fish

A healthy environment is crucial when keeping Oscar Fish. Their size and activity level demand ample space and strong filtration.

Tank essentials:

• Tank size: Minimum 200 - 250 litres for one adult; larger if keeping more
• Temperature: 24°C to 28°C
• pH level: 6.0 - 8.0, slightly soft to moderately hard water
• Filtration: Heavy-duty, as Oscars produce a lot of waste
• Decor: Rocks, driftwood, and hiding spots, but keep enough open swimming space

Do Oscar fish jump out of water?
YES! Use a tight-fitting lid. Oscars are known to jump, especially during feeding.

Feeding Oscar Fish

Oscar Fish are carnivorous and thrive on a varied, protein-rich diet. Proper nutrition is key for vibrant colours and healthy growth.

Best foods for Oscar Fish include:

• High-quality Stick feed: Staple food for daily feeding
  

Intan Arowana Sticks are a premium floating fish food with 44% protein, specially made for Oscars. Packed with natural attractants, Astaxanthin, and high-quality ingredients such as fish meal, squid meal, and krill, they boost immunity, enhance natural colours, and support long, healthy lives. With high palatability and the perfect balance of nutrition, these sticks serve as an ideal replacement for live feed while keeping your fish active, vibrant, and thriving.

Feeding tips:

• Feed 1–2 times daily, offering only what they can consume in 2–3 minutes
• Avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity and poor water quality
• Rotate food types to provide a balanced diet and keep them interested

Do Oscar Fish get Aggressive? Are Oscars smart?

Oscar Fish are renowned for their intelligence and unique personality. They can recognise their owners, respond to hand gestures, and even be trained.

Behaviour highlights:

• Territorial - best kept with fish of similar size
• Curious - enjoy exploring their environment
• Aggressive during feeding or spawning, so monitor tank mates

Common Care Challenges

While hardy, Oscar Fish come with their own set of challenges:

• Water quality sensitivity - Requires regular water changes
• Tank size underestimation - They grow fast and need ample space
• Aggression - Especially with smaller or passive tank mates
• Diet imbalance - Can lead to colour dulling or stunted growth

Regular observation, high-quality food, and a stable environment are key to avoiding these issues.

Keeping Oscar Fish Happy

Oscar Fish is more than just a visual delight, it’s an intelligent, interactive, and rewarding fish for dedicated aquarists. With the right tank setup, balanced diet, and proper care, your Oscar Fish can live a long, healthy, and colourful life.

Whether you’re a beginner willing to commit or an experienced hobbyist, understanding the unique needs of Oscar Fish ensures that they remain vibrant, active, and a true star of your aquarium.

At Intan, we are here to provide you with premium fish feed. Our feed is tailored to meet the specific needs of each species. Every feed can spark positive change and create a future promoting quality, resilience, and well-being. We aim to serve the needs of hobbyists and breeders for the best quality of each species’ unique requirements. To know more about us, check out our Instagram page or contact us. 

We are not just a brand; we are stewards of the underwater world. We believe in the well-being of our friends and their mental health. Understanding and addressing the stressors that affect fish is not just a concept for us, it's a commitment. Through our dedication to research and innovative products, we aim to ensure that fish everywhere can lead happier, healthier lives.