{"product_id":"orange-oscar-xl-20cm","title":"Orange Oscar XL (20cm)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Oscar is a popular freshwater cichlid known for its bold orange and black markings, impressive size, and intelligent personality. These fish are well known for their interactive behaviour and often learn to recognise their owners, making them a favourite among aquarium enthusiasts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCurrent Size: Approximately 20 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdult Size: Grows to 30–35 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLifespan: 10–15 years with proper care\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTank Size: Minimum 300 litres for a single adult\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTemperature Range: 26–28°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003epH Range: 6.0–8.0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiet: Omnivorous\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAppearance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColoration\u003c\/strong\u003e: Bold orange and black markings across the body, with patterns that vary between individuals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBody Shape\u003c\/strong\u003e: Stocky, oval-shaped body with a large head and strong fins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMarkings\u003c\/strong\u003e: Distinctive orange patches against a dark body give this Oscar its striking appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehavior\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTerritorial and can be aggressive, particularly as they mature; best kept with appropriately sized, robust tankmates or on their own.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHighly interactive and intelligent, often recognising their owner and responding to stimuli outside the tank.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Setup\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubstrate: Sand or smooth gravel to allow natural digging behaviour.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDecor: Large rocks, driftwood, and sturdy decorations for hiding spots, but leave plenty of open swimming space.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFiltration: High-quality filtration is essential due to their high bio-load.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWater Flow: Moderate water movement.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLighting: Moderate lighting enhances their vibrant orange and black markings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKeep in mind a heavy lid is strongly recommended as they can jump!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiet: A varied, balanced diet helps maintain good health and colouration:\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigh-quality cichlid pellets.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e Frozen foods like prawns, shrimp, or bloodworms.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOccasional treats like earthworms or suitable insect-based foods.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuitable vegetable matter as part of a balanced diet.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid overfeeding to prevent water quality issues and obesity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTankmates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDue to their size and territorial behaviour, tankmates must be carefully selected:\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuitable: Large Plecos, Silver Dollars, or similarly sized cichlids (if adequate space is provided).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid: Small, delicate, or slow-moving fish that may be eaten or injured.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBreeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBreeding is possible but can be challenging due to their territorial nature.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA compatible pair should be given plenty of space to establish a territory.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA flat surface (like a rock or tile) should be provided for spawning.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFemale lays eggs, which the male fertilises externally.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBoth parents may guard the eggs and fry.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecial Considerations\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOscars are large, messy fish that require excellent filtration and regular tank maintenance to maintain good water quality.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThey can be prone to health problems if water quality is poor or their diet is inadequate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThey thrive with attention and interaction, making them excellent centrepiece fish for aquarists who can provide the space and care they need.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy Choose an Oscar?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Orange Black Oscar is a striking fish that brings bold colours, personality, and an impressive presence to any aquarium. Ideal for aquarists looking for an interactive and rewarding fish, they make a fantastic centrepiece for a suitably sized tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThese photos are the exact individual you will receive!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you have any questions or problems feel free to contact us!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sydney Aquascapes","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67920597975145,"sku":"oscar1","price":150.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2019\/6543\/files\/6837.jpg?v=1793499308","url":"https:\/\/sydney-aquascapes.com.au\/products\/orange-oscar-xl-20cm","provider":"Sydney Aquascapes","version":"1.0","type":"link"}