Page 141 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

CICHLIDS 139

Astronotus ocellatus
Oscar The Oscar’s dull, greenish-brown background
color is offset with lighter, reddish-orange
ORIGINS South America, from the basins of the Amazon markings arranged in irregular patterns. There
and Orinoco southward to Paraguay. can be considerable variation between individuals.
SIZE 14 in (35 cm). Soon becoming tame enough to feed from the
DIET Prepared cichlid foods and live foods. hand, Oscars need an efficient filtration system to
WATER Temperature 72–77°F (22–25°C); soft (50 mg/l) prevent any deterioration in water quality. Females
and acidic (pH 6.0–6.5). develop a genital papilla prior to spawning, with
TEMPERAMENT Not to be trusted with small companions. pairs forming a strong pair bond.

Red Tiger Oscar Selective breeding has led to the
development of Oscars in which large, bright orange
areas predominate on the body.

Longfin Albino Oscar These Oscars display elongated
fins, and this characteristic feature can be combined
with any color. Note the red eye.

Geophagus brasiliensis Cichlasoma festae
Pearl Cichlid Blue, pearl-like markings on many of the scales, Festivus
set against a bluish-gray background, give this
ORIGINS Eastern South America, from the Atlantic coast cichlid a very distinctive appearance. However, no ORIGINS Northern South America, occurring in western
of Brazil to Rio de la Plata in Argentina. two individuals have exactly the same patterning. Guyana and parts of the Amazon basin.
SIZE 11 in (28 cm). Pearl Cichlids are very adaptable in terms of their SIZE 8 in (20 cm).
DIET Prepared cichlid foods, algae, and live foods. water chemistry needs. They will busily excavate DIET Prepared cichlid foods and live foods.
WATER Temperature 68–77°F (20–25°C); soft (50 mg/l) the substrate, especially as the time for spawning WATER Temperature 72–77°F (22–25°C); soft (50 mg/l)
and acidic (pH 6.5). approaches. If a pair repeatedly eat their eggs after and acidic (pH 6.5).
TEMPERAMENT Territorial but not very aggressive. spawning, they are unlikely to be compatible. TEMPERAMENT Only territorial when breeding.
Festivus have a thick, uneven black area running
from the eye toward the dorsal fin. Below the eye
is a circular, orange-yellow blotch, along with
smaller yellow spots. The dorsal fin is more
elongated in males. These nervous fish need a
well-planted aquarium, with a piece of slate for
spawning. They make good companions for
Pterophyllum angelfish (see pp.140–141).

Pelvic fins have
long, narrow
extensions

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