🐠 Fish & Amphibians

Oscar

The “water dog” that recognizes its owner.

Oscars are large, intelligent cichlids with big personalities. They grow fast, are messy and need very large tanks.

Lifespan10–15 years
SizeMedium · 10–14 in
Care levelModerate
Typical cost$25–50 / month
Great for
Experienced fishkeepersLarge tanksIntelligentTerritorialInteractive
Oscar

Photo: Jón Helgi Jónsson (Amything) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Care guide

Daily care

75+ gallons for one adult, strong filtration, 74–80°F.

Cichlid pellets plus occasional insects or shrimp.

Space and rearrangeable décor.

Large weekly water changes.

Health

Common health concerns

Know what to watch for. Early detection makes most of these far easier and cheaper to treat.

  • Hole-in-the-head
  • Ich
  • Bloat
  • Fin rot
Veterinary care

Vet visits

Aquatic vet; test water first.

Find a vet near me

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This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Costs are rough U.S. estimates for food, supplies and routine care. Always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet’s needs.