{"product_id":"red-oscar","title":"Red Oscar","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eRed Oscar\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eAstronotus ocellatus\u003c\/em\u003e) 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy You'll Love Them\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRich red-orange colouration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHighly intelligent and interactive personality\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecognises feeding routines and often responds to its keeper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eImpressive adult size and presence\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent centrepiece fish for large aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne of the hobby's most iconic cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 500L+ for one adult; larger for pairs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 22-28°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.0-7.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 30-35cm+\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivorous with a carnivorous tendency - quality large-cichlid pellets, prawns, insects, and suitable frozen foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Intermediate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Compatibility\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOscars 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePotential tank mates can include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge Plecos\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSilver Dollars\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge Severums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther compatible large South American cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge catfish suitable for the same water conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid small fish, delicate species, and overcrowding. Individual Oscar personalities vary significantly, so tank mate compatibility should always be monitored.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAquascaping Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Glass And Gill","offers":[{"title":"5-7CM","offer_id":53966771618086,"sku":"CA-0245","price":350.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1019\/9810\/0774\/files\/red-oscar.jpg?v=1790591457","url":"https:\/\/www.glassandgill.co.za\/products\/red-oscar","provider":"Glass And Gill","version":"1.0","type":"link"}