Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus) fish species and information / pictures of Oscar - Astronotus ocellatus

Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus) fish species information

Scientific Name
Astronotus ocellatus

Common Name
Oscar

Biology
Preferably inhabits quiet shallow waters in mud-bottomed and sand-bottomed canals and ponds (Ref. 5723). Feeds on small fish, crayfish, worms and insect larvae. Quite popular with aquarists but not for aquaculturists because of its slow growth (Ref. 35237). Maximum length 40 cm TL (Ref. 5723). A highly esteemed food fish in South America (Ref. 44091).

Classification

Classified By
Agassiz, 1831
Class
Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)
Order
Perch-like fish (Perciformes)
Family
Cichlids (Cichlidae)

Distribution

Region
South America
Distribution
South America: Amazon River basin in Peru, Colombia and Brazil; French Guiana. Reported from Argentina (Ref. 9086).
Range
4°N - 15°S, 78°W - 47°W

Environment

Climate
Tropical
Water Temperature From
22 °C
Water Temperature To
25 °C
Depth From - meters
Unknown m
Depth To - meters
Unknown m
Zone
benthopelagic
Environment
Freshwater; ; pH range: 6.0 - 8.0; dH range: 5 - 19 benthopelagic
Trophic Level
2.83 s.e. 0.32 Based on food items.
Occurs in Marine / Salt water
False
Occurs in Brackish water
False
Occurs in Fresh Water
True
Occurs on Reefs
False
Is kept in Aquariums
True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length
45.7 cm
Common Length
24.0 cm
Phylogenetic Diversity Index
PD50 = 0.7500 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses
Fisheries: commercial; gamefish: yes; aquarium: highly commercial
Vulnerability
Moderate vulnerability (36 of 100)
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Assuming tm
Threat To Humans
  Harmless
IUCN Red List Status
  Not Evaluated