Astronotus Oscellatus (Red Chilli Oscar) 3″-3.5″

The Red Chilli Oscar is a color variant of the Oscar cichlid (Astronotus ocellatus), a popular and striking freshwater fish species. This variety is prized for its bright, bold red coloration, giving it a more intense and eye-catching appearance compared to the standard tiger or wild-type Oscars.

• Habitat: Like all Oscars, the Red Chilli Oscar originates from slow-moving rivers and lakes in the Amazon River basin and other parts of South America. These areas are typically warm, soft-water environments with lots of submerged vegetation and cover.
• Appearance: The Red Chilli Oscar is distinguished by its deep red coloration, often with little to no black or dark patches, making it stand out from other varieties such as the tiger or albino Oscar. Its body is typically bright red or orange, and depending on the individual, there may be slight variations in the intensity of the color.
• Size: Similar to other Oscars, the Red Chilli Oscar can grow up to 12-14 inches (30-35 cm) in length, and requires a spacious tank due to its size and activity level.
• Diet: Oscars are omnivores, and the Red Chilli Oscar is no exception. They can be fed high-quality cichlid pellets, live or frozen foods such as shrimp, worms, and small fish, as well as occasional vegetables and fruits like peas or spinach. A balanced diet is essential to maintain their vibrant color and overall health.
• Behavior: The Red Chilli Oscar shares the same intelligent and interactive behavior as other Oscar cichlids. They are known to recognize their owners, show distinct personalities, and can be quite territorial, especially in smaller tanks or with incompatible tankmates. Due to their size and potential for aggression, they should not be housed with smaller or delicate fish.
• Aquarium Care: Red Chilli Oscars need large aquariums, with a minimum of 75 gallons for a single adult. They are messy eaters, so strong filtration and regular water changes are essential. Decor should be durable, as Oscars are known for moving around objects in the tank. Since they are tropical fish, water temperatures should be kept between 75-80°F (24-27°C).
• Tank Mates: Due to their size and territorial nature, it’s best to keep them with similarly sized, hardy fish. Other large South American cichlids or fish like plecos can work well, but smaller fish are likely to be seen as prey.
• Lifespan: With proper care, Red Chilli Oscars can live up to 10-15 years, making them a long-term commitment.

The Red Chilli Oscar is a fantastic choice for aquarists who love large, colorful, and interactive fish. Their bright red color adds a striking visual element to any large freshwater tank, but they do require space, careful care, and compatible tankmates.