Albino Tiger Oscar Cichlid (Astronotus ocellatus) - 1"-2" - Live Fish

DESCRIPTION OF ITEM:

The Albino Tiger Oscar Cichlid (Astronotus ocellatus) is a striking and vibrant variation of the popular Tiger Oscar Cichlid. Known for its beautiful albino coloration, this fish combines the bold and dramatic personality of the classic Tiger Oscar with a unique and visually stunning appearance. The Albino Tiger Oscar is a favorite among aquarists who appreciate its size, intelligence, and captivating colors.

Physical Appearance:

• Size: The Albino Tiger Oscar can grow to a significant size, reaching up to 12-14 inches (30-35 cm) in length in a well-maintained aquarium. They are large fish that require ample space to thrive.
• Coloration: Unlike the standard Tiger Oscar, which has dark, tiger-like stripes, the Albino Tiger Oscar features a white to pale peach-colored body with red, orange, or gold spots or streaks, creating a striking contrast. The vibrant hues become more pronounced as the fish matures, giving it an almost glowing appearance under tank lighting.
• Body Shape: The body of the Albino Tiger Oscar is stocky and robust, characteristic of many cichlids. It has a rounded, broad head, large mouth, and thick body that allows it to dominate its environment.
• Fins: The dorsal and anal fins are long and pointed, giving the fish a majestic and bold look as it swims.

Behavior:

• Aggressive and Territorial: Like most Oscar Cichlids, the Albino Tiger Oscar has a territorial and aggressive nature. It can be very dominant in its tank, especially if kept with smaller or less assertive species. It’s important to provide plenty of space to minimize aggression.
• Intelligent: The Albino Tiger Oscar is a very intelligent fish that can recognize its owner and learn to interact with its environment. It can often be hand-fed and will come to the surface when approached by its owner.
• Solitary: Due to their aggression, it is typically best to keep the Albino Tiger Oscar as the only large fish in the tank or with other robust, non-aggressive species that can hold their own. It’s not recommended for community tanks with smaller fish.
• Breeding: During breeding, the Albino Tiger Oscar may become even more territorial. Breeding pairs often display intense colors and engage in courtship rituals. They may also defend their nesting area aggressively.

Habitat Requirements:

• Origin: Native to the Amazon River Basin in South America, the Oscar Cichlid is found in slow-moving rivers, lakes, and flooded areas with plenty of vegetation and hiding spots.
• Water Conditions: The Albino Tiger Oscar thrives in slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH range of 6.5-7.5 and a temperature range of 74-80°F (23-27°C). They prefer moderately hard to soft water and need a well-filtered aquarium to maintain water quality due to their size and waste production.
• Tank Setup: Given their size, these fish need a minimum of 75 gallons of tank space for one individual. The aquarium should be well-filtered and include rocks, driftwood, and large plants. Oscars tend to rearrange their environment, so it’s important to secure decorations and provide hiding places.

Diet:

• Carnivorous: The Albino Tiger Oscar is an omnivorous fish but leans heavily towards a carnivorous diet. It will eat a variety of foods including high-quality pellets, live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, worms, and bloodworms, and occasionally vegetable matter like spinach or peas. It’s important to feed a balanced diet to maintain its health and vibrant coloration.

Lifespan:

• With proper care, the Albino Tiger Oscar can live for 10-15 years in a well-maintained tank.

Care Level:

• Intermediate to Advanced: Due to their size, territorial nature, and care requirements, the Albino Tiger Oscar is best suited for intermediate to advanced aquarists who are prepared for its space and social needs.

The Albino Tiger Oscar Cichlid is a breathtaking and powerful fish that offers both beauty and personality in an aquarium. Its striking coloration and intelligent, sometimes dominant, nature make it a captivating centerpiece for any tank. With the right care, including proper tank size, water conditions, and a suitable diet, this fish can thrive and become a long-lasting, impressive part of your aquarium setup.