Red Oscar

Red Oscar

5-7CM
R 350.00
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Red Oscar
Red Oscar

Red Oscar

R 350.00
Taxes included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Low stock

Minimum tank500L+ for one adult; larger for pairs
DifficultyIntermediate

Delivery available throughout South Africa · Shipping & returns policies apply

More care details
Temperature22-28°C
pH6.0-7.5
DietOmnivore/carnivore-leaning; quality large-cichlid pellets, insects, prawns and suitable frozen foods

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SHIPPING & RETURNS

Orders are shipped throughout South Africa using trusted courier partners. Delivery timing and eligibility vary by product. Livestock orders use designated shipping days and are subject to live-arrival conditions; dry goods and equipment follow the standard returns policy.

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LIVESTOCK DOA

For livestock orders only: if livestock arrives deceased (DOA), submit the claim within 2 hours of delivery with clear photographs of the unopened bag, clear photographs of the livestock inside the bag, and your order number.

Approved DOA claims may receive a replacement or store credit at Glass & Gill’s discretion, subject to the policy terms. Non-livestock returns are handled under the standard returns policy.

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The Red Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus) is a bold and highly interactive large cichlid known for its deep red-orange colour, powerful build, and unmistakable personality. Oscars are among the most intelligent freshwater aquarium fish and often learn to recognise the person feeding and caring for them.

These fish quickly become the focal point of an aquarium. They are curious, confident, and highly food-motivated, frequently approaching the glass when people enter the room. Their combination of size, colour, and behaviour makes them particularly popular with aquarists looking for a true centrepiece fish.

Red Oscars require a large aquarium, strong filtration, and committed long-term care, but in return they provide years of engaging behaviour and a level of interaction that few freshwater fish can match.

Why You'll Love Them

  • Rich red-orange colouration
  • Highly intelligent and interactive personality
  • Recognises feeding routines and often responds to its keeper
  • Impressive adult size and presence
  • Excellent centrepiece fish for large aquariums
  • One of the hobby's most iconic cichlids

Care Requirements

  • Tank Size: 500L+ for one adult; larger for pairs
  • Temperature: 22-28°C
  • pH: 6.0-7.5
  • Adult Size: Approximately 30-35cm+
  • Diet: Omnivorous with a carnivorous tendency - quality large-cichlid pellets, prawns, insects, and suitable frozen foods
  • Difficulty: Intermediate

Behaviour & Compatibility

Oscars are large territorial cichlids and should not be treated as ordinary community fish. They can be kept with carefully selected robust tank mates, but any companion must be large enough not to be swallowed and confident enough to cope with Oscar behaviour.

Potential tank mates can include:

  • Large Plecos
  • Silver Dollars
  • Large Severums
  • Other compatible large South American cichlids
  • Large catfish suitable for the same water conditions

Avoid small fish, delicate species, and overcrowding. Individual Oscar personalities vary significantly, so tank mate compatibility should always be monitored.

Aquascaping Notes

Red Oscars do best in spacious, simple layouts with open swimming room and robust décor. Large driftwood pieces, smooth rocks, and heavier ornaments work better than delicate planted layouts because Oscars may dig, move substrate, and rearrange décor.

Use strong filtration and leave easy access for maintenance. Darker backgrounds and natural wood tones help emphasise the intense red colour of this morph and create a dramatic display.

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