Tiger Oscar

Tiger Oscar - Classic Orange-and-Black Giant Cichlid for Dedicated Keepers

The Tiger Oscar is the classic colour form of this famous South American cichlid, marked with bold orange-red blotches over a dark chocolate-brown to black body in an ever-changing tiger-like pattern. Highly intelligent and endlessly watchable, Oscars are known for recognising their keeper and interacting at the glass.

Tiger Oscars grow into large, powerful, territorial fish that need serious tank space and strong filtration to keep up with their appetite and waste output. They are predatory by nature and will treat small tankmates as food, so this species suits keepers planning ahead for a substantial, dedicated aquarium.

At N8 Aquatics, our fish are carefully raised and conditioned to ensure healthy stock suited to home aquariums.

Species Snapshot

• Size Sold: Juvenile, approx. 5–8 cm (will grow substantially — see Important below)
• Adult Size: 30–35 cm+
• Tank Size: 300 L minimum for an adult (juveniles can start smaller but will need upgrading)
• Temperament: Territorial, predatory, intelligent and interactive — a big-tank commitment fish
• Temperature: 23–27°C
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Difficulty: Moderate (messy eater, needs strong filtration)

Ideal Habitat and Care

Plan for a large-footprint tank with sturdy, well-anchored decor, since Oscars will rearrange gravel and dig; heavy-duty filtration is a must to handle their considerable waste output.

• Temperature: 23–27°C
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Water Flow: Moderate to strong, with heavy-duty filtration
• Maintenance: Frequent large water changes to manage a heavy bioload

Diet

A voracious carnivore that needs a substantial, meaty diet to thrive.

• Cichlid pellets as a staple
• Frozen prawn and fish
• Occasional feeder fish as an enrichment treat

Compatibility

Not a community fish — the Tiger Oscar will readily eat any tankmate small enough to swallow.

Suitable tankmates include:

• Other large, robust South American cichlids
• Large, armoured catfish

Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species.

Why Buy From N8 Aquatics

• Carefully raised aquarium fish
• Healthy, well-conditioned stock
• Strong genetics and vibrant colouration
• Breeder support if you have questions

Pickup Information

N8 Aquatics currently operates as a local pickup-only breeder in Central Queensland.

Orders are collected by appointment after purchase confirmation.

Please ensure you are able to collect your fish before placing an order.

Important

All livestock sold by N8 Aquatics should be introduced to fully cycled aquariums suitable for the species being kept.

Please ensure your aquarium setup and tankmates are appropriate before purchasing.