OSCAR FISH AND OTHER COMMON CICHLIDS

MUHAMMED ANZEER F12.05.09

“Ornamental fishes usually mean attractive colourful fishes

of various characteristics, which are kept as pets in confined

space of an aquarium or a garden pool for fun and fancy”.

Ornamental fishes are usually kept in glass aquarium and

hence popularly known as ‘’Aquarium Fishes’’.

Attractiveness

not only bright colours but also peculiar

characteristics such as body colour, morphology, mode of

taking food ,territorial behaviour etc.

INTRODUCTION

Aquarium keeping is 2nd most popular of hobbies after

photography.

Largest market - European Union

Largest importer - United States (US) (FAO 1996-2005;

Chapman 20

Exact figures on the value and trade of the ornamental

fish industry do not exist, the total value of ornamental

fishes and invertebrates imported is $278 million US

dollars (FAO 1996-2005).

Pet industry surveys have estimated the aquarium

industry worth over $1,000 million USD (e.g., Cato and

Brown 2003; AAPMA 2005).

Although most fish kept in aquariums are from

freshwater, the acquisition of marine ornamental

fish has greatly increased, popularized by

Children's movies.

Recent advances in fish husbandry

and

Aquarium equipment technology

We have to recognize this amazing fact!!!!!!!!!!

The retail value for 1kg of coral reef fish for the

aquarium trade may be worth $500 to $1,800 USD

while a marine fish used for human consumption

can be priced only in between $6 and $16.50 USD

per kilogram (Cato and Brown 2003; Wabnitz et al.

2003)

Ornamental SpeciesApproximate Number of

Species

Principal Geographic

Regions

Fresh-, Salt-, and

Brackish- Water Fishes1539

Southeast Asia, Americas,

Africa, Indonesia

Corals (hard and soft) 102Indo-Pacific, Caribbean,

the Red Sea

Invertebrates, other

(e.g., shrimps, crabs,

snails, starfish)

293Indo-Pacific, Caribbean,

the Red Sea

Reference: various sources; principal, Cato, J.C., and C. L. Brown. 2003. Marine

Ornamental Species: Collection, Culture, and Conservation.

kingdom Animalia

phylum chordata

class Actinopterygii

order Perciformes

family Cichlidae

subfamily Astronotinae

genus Astronotus

species ocellatus

OSCAR FISH

Astronotus - Marked with stars

ocellatus - with eye spot on tail

Commonname: Oscar

Synonyms : Acaracompressus, Acarahyposticta, Astronotusocellatus zebra, and Astronotusorbiculatus.velvet cichlid, red oscar, marble cichlid etc.

The species was originally described by Louis

Agassiz  in 1831 aslobotes  ocellatus, as he mistakenly

believed the species was marine; later work assigned the

species to the genus Astronotus.

Taxono

my

In general, cichlids (Cichlidae) are superficially

similar to North American native sunfishes and black basses

(Lepomis and Micropterus; family Centrarchidae). Cichlids

can be distinguished from centrarchids by a single nostril

opening on each side of the head (vs. two openings in

centrarchids) and the presence of a discontinuous or two-part

lateral line (continuous in centrarchids). Kullander (1986) and

Page and Burr (1991).

Identification

Maximmum size : 45 cm (18 in)

Weight : 1.6 kilograms (3.5 lb )

Colour : darkly coloured with yellow-ringed spots (wild-

caught forms )

Able to rapidly alter its colouration. Juvenile oscars have a

different colouration from adults, and are striped with white

and orange wavy bands and have spotted heads.

An ocelli  on the caudal peduncle and on the Dorsal fin (to

function to limit fin-nipping by piranha(serrasalmus spp.),

which co-occur with A. ocellatus in its natural environment.

Description

Distribution and habitat

o A.ocellatus is native to Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, and

French Guiana,

o Amazon River basin (Amazonas, Içá, Negro, Solimões, and 

Ucayali River systems).

o  Approuague and Oyapock River  (drainages). 

o China, northern Australia, and Florida, USA - as a byproduct

of the ornamental fish trade  

o Limited in its distribution by its intolerance of cooler water

temperatures; the lower lethal limit - 12.9°C (55.2°F).

Habitat : Benthopelagic, Freshwater - slow-moving, quiet

shallow waters in mud-bottomed or sand-bottomed canals

and ponds sheltering under submerged branches.

pH range: 6.0 - 8.0;

DH range: 5 - 19.   

Tropical; 22°C - 25°C ;

Feeding

Captive oscars - prepared fish food designed for large

carnivorous fish, crayfish, worms, and insects (such as flies,

crickets and grasshoppers). Feeding live foods - increase the

rate of growth but may cause endoparasites.

Live feeder fish can be given, Most fish eaten by A.

ocellatus in the wild are relatively sedentary catfish,

including Bunocephalus, Rineloricaria, and Ochmacanthus

 species but fish such as goldfish and rosy red feeder

minnows should not be fed. These contain an enzyme

(thiaminase) which binds vitamin B1- deficiency.

These fish eat fruit in the wild, items such as melons,

oranges, and other fruits.

The species also has an absolute requirement for vitamin C

, and develops health problems in its absence. Poultry and/or

mammalian flesh, including beef heart, should not be fed long

term as these fatty foods will contribute to fatty liver disease.

Just about anything that falls into the water would be eaten

by oscars

The species uses a suction mechanism to capture

prey, and has been reported to exhibit "laying-on-side"

death mimicry in asimilar fashion to

Parachromisfriedrichsthalii  and 

Nimbochromislivingstonii.

Mode of capture prey

Oscars will often lay claim to an area of the aquarium and will

be very aggressive towards other fish encroaching on their newly

established territory inside the aquarium or lake.

The size varies depending on the size and aggressiveness of

the fish based on its surroundings.

Once the oscar establishes a territory, it will vigorously defend

it by chasing away other fish.

Territorial behavior

Sexual dimorphism

sexually monomorphic, eventhough, males have been

suggested to grow more quickly, and in some strains(wild)

males are with dark blotches on the base of their dorsal fins.

sexual maturity - around one year of age,

will reproduce for 9-10 years.(time and frequency depend

upon rain)

A. ocellatus fish are biparental, substrate spawners

(aquarium condition), (in wild it is disputable.)

BREEDING

The only reliable method is to observe a pair when they are

breeding and the breeding tubes are extended.

The female's tube

bigger &

rounded at the end,

while the male's tube

smaller &

pointed at the end.

obviously, the female is the one with all the eggs coming out of

her.

Breeding Behavior

In captivity, pairs are known to select and clean

generally flattened horizontal or vertical surfaces (no

egg will be on top of another one), on which to lay their

1,000 to 3,000 eggs. (ciclids)

In aquariums, A flat rock like slate is ideal, or they

have been known to clear the gravel and lay on the bare

bottom of the tank. They will work for days picking up the

gravel building mountains in the corners.

Between “digging ” they will go through liplocking,

shaking, quivering and sometimes aggression towards each

other. Their color variances also intensify during this period.

This is all normal but the twist of this is….The female may lay

eggs regardless of whether there is another fish in the tank or

not. It is also possible to have two females and have one or the

other lay eggs.

Place the slate upright at the back of the tank and place

an airstone in at the base to agitate the water in front of it.

This will mimic the fanning that the parents do. Within a

few days you might see a thickening or a fungus growing

ontop of the eggs. This thickens as the eggs hatch. You

could use use product called Meythlene blue to prevent the

spread of this ” fungus.

After the eggs are laid, you should be able to see

wigglers in the “fungus” within 2 to 3 days. Shut the

tank lights off and use a flashlight to look around at

different angles. If you don't see wigglers the eggs were

not fertile, fungus killed them or they have moved off

the slate into there hiding spot. There might be times

that you think the fry are dead or have been eaten but

they are in fact hiding in the gravel pits, underneath the

gravel or behind the slate.

To further confuse things, two females may become

aggressive towards each other while one, or the other, or

both are laying eggs. To the untrained, or even the

trained eye, this sometimes looks like mating behavior

between a male and female.

ounfertilized eggs – white

oFertilized eggs - amber (yellow).

A.ocellatus practices brood care, although the

duration of brood care in the wild remains unknown. New

parents might raise the fry right away but unlikely. They

teach the fry to come to the front of the tank for feedings

and if the fry stray too far away they will suck them in to

there mouths and place them in the “pits”.

Parental care

The eggs might be there lunch or they might let the

eggs hatch to the wiggler stage and then eat them. if there

is any other fish in the tank, they might just get a

midnight snack, If you think or know that you have a

breeding pair and you want them to raise their fry, the

best thing to do is keep them in a tank by themselves with

no other fish.

A number of ornamental varieties of A. ocellatus have

been developed for the aquarium industry. These include

forms with greater intensity and quantities of red marbling

across the body, albino, leucistic, and xanthistic forms. A.

ocellatus with marbled patches of red pigmentation are sold

as red tiger oscars, while those strains with mainly red

colouration of the flanks are frequently sold under the trade

name of red oscars. 

Selective

breeding

The patterning of red pigment differs between

individuals; in the United Kingdom, one A.

ocellatus reportedly had markings that resembled the

Arabic word for "Allah". In recent years long-finned

varieties have also been developed. The species is also

occasionally artificially coloured by a process known as 

painting.

Absolute minimum tank size for single one is 48" x 15" x

12“ if it is a pair - 48" x 15" x 18”. You should bear in mind

that a small 4" fish will only take 12 months be be a massive

9" fish and so if you cannot provide a big enough tank to

start with then don't buy Oscars. Promises that you will get a

bigger tank later never seem to become a reality. Besides,

you will need that bigger tank in less than a year, so it is best

to wait until you can afford it and get the Oscars then.

AQUARIUM REARING

Oscars are all the same species (Astronotus ocellatus),

however, there are several color varieties and forms

available. There are no differences in care for any species,

with the exception of Albino Oscars, which may require

decreased lighting due to a potential sensitivity to bright

lights common in albinos of any species.

The most common varieties are those Oscars we

normally see at most fish stores. They include Tiger Oscars,

Red Oscars, and Common Oscars.

Oscar varieties

Tiger Oscar (Dark base color with orange/red stripes)

It is believed that Tiger Oscars are the result of selective

breeding of Red Oscars back to Common Oscars and "fixing" the

resulting strain.

Red Oscar (Dark base color with solid or mostly solid

orange/red that does not form bold stripes.)

Red Oscars are a strain originally developed by

Charoen Pattabonge, a Thai businessman, who noticed

some oscars with abnormally high red coloration in a

recent shipment and was subsequently able to fix a strain

we know today as the "Red Oscar". This strain starting

becoming prevalent in the hobby in 1969. One of the

distinquishing characteristics of the Red Oscar is that it

does not have an eyespot on the tail.

Common Oscars (aka - Wildtype Oscar)(Dark base

color with lighter stripes, generally yellow, grey, or

pale green, and very little to no orange. This is the

color of wild oscars) 

Albino Oscars

True albinos are mostly white with potentially very vivid

orange/red coloration. Most people call any oscar with a light

base color and no dark pigment “albinos” even though they

are not true ablinos. The key indicator as to if your Oscar is an

Albino Oscar is the eyes and fins. If the eyes are pink (or

possibly orange) and there is no dark coloration on the fins, it

is an Albino. Otherwise, it is a lutino.“Albino” oscars come in

red & tiger patterns.

Albino Tiger Oscar 

(White/light base color with red/orange stripes)

Albino Red Oscar

(White/light base color with solid red/orange) 

Lutino Oscars

These look like “albino” oscars, but have some darker

coloration, generally on the fins or the eye spot. They also come

in red & tiger patterns. If you have an Oscar displaying any

black coloration, in the eyes or fins, but otherwise looks like an

Albino, it is a Lutino. Albino's cannot produce black, brown, or

green pigments

Lutino tiger

(White/light base color with orange stripes and some

brown/grey on the fins and/or body)

Lutino red

(White/light base color with solid orange and some

brown/grey on the fins.)

Rare Oscar Varities

Sunshine Lemon Oscar

Bloody/Super Red Oscar 

(an extreme red oscar which is a very vibrant, solid

red)

Dyed Oscars

Oscars have also fallen victim to the process of

dyeing.This is a horrible process which weakens the fish

making it much more susceptibe to illnesses and shortens

its lifespan. Plus the color eventually fades so you're left

with an expensive, sickly, “albino”/lutino.

Strawberry Oscar

(“albino” or lutino red/tiger

oscars dyed red/pink) 

These aren't as common as

“blueberry” oscars. Also, some

albino/lutinooscars naturally have a

pink/peach base color, but on a dyed

oscar, it won't look as solid or

evenly distributed.)

Oscar Oddities

Along with the different color varieties, oscars have also

been selectively bred for different body/fin shapes

Veiltail Oscar 

(Have longer than normal fins & tails. Come in all

common color varieties)

Short bodied/Balloon Oscar

(Have a shorter, more compact

body than normal) 

Come in all color varieties. These

are relatively rare and in many cases,

oscars with shorter than normal

bodies are actually stunted and

horribly deformed from being kept in

poor conditions rather than

selectively bred to be that way so be

Leary about buying short bodied

Oscars.

Astronotus orbicularis

Astronotus crassipinnis

Other Species

There are also 2 other species

belonging to the genus

Astronotus. These are not oscars,

but they are closely related and

look somewhat similar. They are

also pretty rare to find in LFS's.

There is some debate as to if

these are two different species or

one.

Water quality is of super importance. Do a 25% water

change daily cleaning the bottom of the tank to remove all food

residue. The best way is to use an airline to suck it out into a

cup, bowl or pitcher. Then siphon the babies that you pick up

back into the tank. It is almost impossible to clean the tank

bottom without sucking up a few of the wigglers. When you

refill the tank, be sure that the water you put in is the same temp

or maybe just a little warmer than the tank. Siphon it in with an

airline slowly to minimize the effects of any variances in water

temperature.

WATER

QUALITY

As far as tank mates go, choose something as large as

the Oscar itself. Despite their reputation Oscars will not be

able to cope with large territorial Cichlasoma. South American

cichlids like the larger Geophagines are milder in

temperament and can be kept successfully with a single Oscar.

If you intend to keep a pair, they will need a tank to

themselves; if they decide to breed then all tank mates will be

seen as a threat.

I have seen a number of recommendations that

armored catfish can be kept with a pair of Oscars, "to clean

up the tank floor". While this is undoubtedly true, I can't

personally recommend it. Cichlids have very poor night

vision and will be unable to defend their eggs and fry against

the nocturnal predations of a catfish, unless ofcourse a light

is left on. Proper aquarium maintenance is, in my opinion, a

far better way to keep the aquarium clean.

Decor for an Oscar tank should be kept at a

minimum. A few rocks and maybe a piece of bogwood

should be more than sufficient. A pair of Oscars will also

need a couple of large flat stones on which to lay their eggs.

A piece of slate is best. Make sure that these are at least 8" x

10" as Oscars produce an enormous number of eggs. Heaters

should be either protected by a heater guard or hidden where

the fish cannot get to them.

It is not unknown for Oscars to attack aquarium

equipment, particularly heaterstats. I don't really think the

species have anything against heaters generally but most of

these are reflective and I think that the fish is attacking its

own reflection in the mistaken belief that it is another fish.

Plants are best avoided; Oscars will treat them as expensive

toys and constantly rip them up.

Filtration, is one area where a number of otherwise perfect

Oscar set-ups can fail. Oscars are extremely messy eaters

and so good filtration is essential. While many prefer under-

gravel filters, it needs to be remembered that Oscars are

great diggers and should you adopt this method then a

gravel tidy is a must.

My own personal recommendation however, would

be to use a large external power filter filled with sintered

glass or even better, Siporax, while expensive, has the

distinct advantage that it will eventually develop some

ability at de-nitrification and help reduce the ever present

nitrate problem inherent in a tank without live plants. For the

same reason, a good activated carbon or nitrate absorbing

resin should also be added to the filter.

An internal power filter can also be added to

provide mechanical filtration and help keep the water

polished. Oscars need plenty of oxygen so set these filters

so that they create a disturbance at the water's surface or

add some aeration. Despite their Amazon origins Oscars

can be kept in hard as well as soft water providing it is kept

clean. Temperature should be in the range 26°- 30°C.

Weekly 20% water changes will help keep your water

quality good.

One last thing that needs to be add to any Oscar tank is

something for the fishes to play with. Oscars just love toys; a

ping-pong ball floated on the surface will provide the fish, and

you, with many hours of enjoyment.

When considering what to feed an Oscar it is very

important to remember that Oscars can get hooked on one food

and just refuse to eat anything else. Because of this feed

Oscars something different everyday. Cichlid pellets and

frozen foods such as lance fish and whitebait are very good.

Frozen and live river shrimps are readily accepted.

One of the best Oscar foods are excess fry from other

cichlid breedings and of course the good old earthworm. I

have heard a number of people suggest the raising of

guppies/mollies/goldfish etc. to feed their Oscars. In my

experience however, the effort required to breed these

fish, in both sufficient size and number is far in excess of

any benefit gained.

Other common Cichlids

The number of cichlid species identified in the wild is

well over 1,000 and biologists think that many more are

waiting to be discovered. Cichlids are found in many

locations throughout the world and include such favorites

as the freshwater angelfish, the tiger oscar fish and the jack

dempsey cichlid.

They can be quite fascinating and territorial, especially

when they pair off and start to spawn. Some will tolerate tank

mates and some can only be kept as lone individuals or in very

aggressive species only tanks. Some retailers and breeders

tend to keep them overcrowded in display tanks to try and

limit the aggression and indeed it does seem to work.

However, there could be many factors at play in this scenario.

The water quality could be very poor, likely high in

ammonia (and possibly nitrites) thereby causing them to

appear more docile. theory is that a crowding situation

prevents a lone fish from becoming dominant over a few.

There are just too many other fish to dominate in a crowded

tank. Once you get a few of them acclimated and at home in

your aquarium the situation could be completely different.Use

caution when selecting tank mates and due your research

before getting any of these cichlids to make sure you can meet

their requirements.

Description of Cichlids     

Cichlids are categorized as "secondary freshwater

fish" - meaning their ancestors were marine fish. It is

believed that cichlids moved to freshwaters from the marine

environment, and they have features relating to a number of

marine species including the wrasses, parrotfish, damsels,

and surfperches.  

  

Cichlids are found in Africa, Central and South

America, and a few species from parts of Asia. Central and

South America comprises a huge geographic area with

greatly diverse habitats ranging from savannas to rain

forests. Other types of cichlids are from the great rift lakes

of Africa, as well as other lakes, rivers and streams.

Consequently cichlids are found in a wide variety of

conditions.

These and other large cichlids are popular food fish for the

native people where they are found. Many of the smaller sized

cichlids species, vast in number, from the great African Lakes

are also considered a tasty snack to those native peoples.

The actual number of cichlid species is unknown but are

generally estimated somewhere between 2000 to 5000, with at

least 1300 species scientifically described. African Cichlids are

conservatively estimated at about 1300 species, while South

American Cichlids and Central American Cichlids are estimated

at about 570 species.

The cichlid family is so vast that there many good aquarium

inhabitants, but there are also many species that are not really

suitable for the home aquarium due to size. For example,

theBoulengerochromismicrolepis from Africa, which reaches up

to 36" (90 cm) is really too large for most hobbyists. Some large

South American cichlids that are occasionally available in the

hobby are the Peacock BassCichlaocellaris, which grows to a

length of 30" (75 cm), and the Wolf Cichlid Parachromisdovii,

which can reach a length of 24" (60 cm). Both of these will

require at least 250 gallons (946 L) with larger being better.

African Cichlids 

  Perhaps the most popular cichlids are the Rift Lake

Cichlids, which are some of the most colorful of all

freshwater fishes. Besides the many colorful cichlids from

the African lakes, there are others highly prized for

patterning and other unique characteristics. These includeas

seen in the popular Tropheus genus, featherfins, goby

cichlids, sarding cichlids, and shelldwellers to name a few.

Like their South American counterparts, there are also

some African Cichlids that reach an impressive size, making

great specimens for a large show tank. Yet here too there are a

few species are not really suitable for the home aquarium due

to size. The Boulengerochromis microlepis, which reaches up to

36" (90 cm), is a good example of too big.

   Most African Cichlids available in the hobby have a mix

of fascinating characteristics and are a delight to keep.

Lake Malawi Cichlids

The Malawi Cichlids are some of the most brilliantly

colored fishes. It is estimated there are over 800 species of

Malawi cichlids but with only about 300 currently described

by ichthyologists. They fall into two ecological groups, the

Mbuna group and the Haplochromis group. Do not mix the

two groups in the aquarium, as they are mostly incompatible.

Only combining the Utaka from the Haplochromis group with

Mbuna is possible if there is plenty of space.

Mbuna group 

The Mbuna group is endemic to Lake Malawi. They inhabit

the rocky areas of the lake.

o zebra cichlids-mbuna cichlids- This group contains

12 genera of rock dwelling Mbuna Cichlids,

including the well-known Zebra Cichlids. This is a

popular group of very active and aggressive

personalities, often colored in blues with black bars,

and yellows.

Haplochromis group 

The Haplochromis group is another popular African cichlid

group that inhabit the more sandy areas and open waters.

oPeacock cichlids - Peacock Cichlids are some of the

most intensely colored of all the cichlid varieties.

These are generally somewhat larger and more

peaceful than the Zebra (mbuna) cichlids.

o  Other malavi cichlids- These include Utaka Cichlids

which tend to live in open waters. 

Lake Tanganyika Cichlids

Many Tanganyika cichlids are unique in both body shape

and in habitat. These include such varieties as the

featherfins, gobies, julies, sardines, and shelldwellers.

Lake Tanganyika, the second deepest lake in the world, is

inhabited with almost 250 different species of cichlids and

over 150 species of other fish. It is renown for having two

record-breaking inhabitants, the world's largest cichlid at

31" (80 cm) and the world's smallest cichlid at 1.4" (3.5

cm).

LakeTanganyikaCichlids 

Goby Cichlids - The Goby Cichlids live close to the shore

in shallow waters. Like others in this group, these fish are

generally more peaceful and a bit larger than the Zebra Cichlids

Tropheus Cichlids 

These are popular Tanganyika cichlids that inhabit the more

sandy areas and open waters. They are generally somewhat

larger and more peaceful than the Zebra (mbuna) cichlids.The

popular Tropheusspecies are endemic to Lake Tanganyika.

They are widely distributed along the coastal fringes of the lake

and have many geographic variations. Many have not yet been

described.

   There are many wonderful African cichlids that you

may run across besides the highly popular species found in

Lake Malawi or Lake Tanganyika. African cichlids also

include a number of fish from West Africa, outlying islands

including Madagascar, and cichlids from Lake Victoria.

Lake Victoria Cichlids - West Africa Dwarf Cichlids, West Africa Cichlids

Dwarf Cichlids - West African Cichlids Many West African cichlids are native to African rivers

and streams, living a wide variety of habitats. These include the interesting and beautiful African Dwarf Cichlids such as the popular Kribensis.

Lake Victoria Cichlids

There are several hundred vibrantly beautiful species of

cichlids found in Lake Victoria alone. Other types of East

African Cichlids include Victoria Cichlids found in lakes

surrounding Lake Victoria. Others are native to African rivers

and streams, and live in a wide variety of habitats

South American Cichlids   The South American Cichlids are also

known as New World cichlids, and include Central American

Cichlids and American Dwarf Cichlids. They are found primarily

in Central and South America, with the Texas Cichlid found in the

southern part of North America. This is a vast geographic area with

greatly diverse habitats ranging from savannas to rain forests,

consequently cichlids are found in a wide variety of conditions.

The Amazon River contains a huge number of fish, one fifth of all

freshwater fish species. Its waters are acidic and extremely soft,

and much of it has detritus covered sandy type substrate.

South American Cichlids and Central American Cichlids are

attractive, personable, and are generally quite durable fish. They

come in a range of sizes and with some very beautiful

colorations, making them favorite aquarium fish for many

hobbyists. Many also reach an impressive size and are great for a

large show tank.

There are distinctive types of South American cichlids,

including:

Large Cichlids - Large South American Cichlids

   The large American cichlids, with their

personalities, temperaments, and size, are great specimens

for an awesome show tank. Because these fish get large, a

75 gallon aquarium is the standard suggested size for these

fish.

Dwarf Cichlids - South American Dwarf Cichlids

   The American Dwarf Cichlids are also called the New

World Dwarf Cichlids. These fish consist of small cichlids that

only reach up to about 4 inches (10 cm) or so. They have

attractive color patterns, and many species can be obtained in a

variety of color morphs. Many will be content in an aquarium as

small as 20 gallons. Dwarf Cichlids tend to be shy and somewhat

delicate, so they are recommended for a bit more seasoned

aquarist rather than a beginning cichlid keeper.

  The Angelfish and Discus have some of the most

unique body shapes, and some of the most beautiful and

varied color patterns. These cichlids end to be more amiable

than others cichlids and each variety will make a great show

specimen. Some of the most unique in appearance are

hybrids such as the Blood Parrot and the Flower Horn

Cichlid.

Unique Cichlid Types - Unique South American Cichlids

 

Archocentrusnigro fasciatus

PseudotropheusDemasoni

Thorichthys meeki

Cichlasomaocto fasciatum

Cynotilapia afra

Pterophyllum scalare

Cyrtocara moorii

Apsitogrammaca catuoides

Parachromis managuensis Hemichromis bimaculatus

Metriaclima lombardoiLabidochromisca eruleus

Pseudotropheus sp.Pelvicachromis pulcher

A hybrid Herose fasciatus

Microgeophagus ramirezi

Amphilophus labiatusProtomelas taeniolatus

Pseudotropheus saulosi

Pseudotropheus polit

Neolamprologus multifasciatus 

an ornamental fish and rarely used as a food fish(South America).

It costs more than 150 rupees per piece for an average sized fish in the

Indian market. International market value will differ in accordance with

the abundance, colour pattern , size and ofcourse the demand of the fish.

used by biologists in numerous studies ( behaviour, eye sight , auditory

systems and swim bladders).

as a game fish

popular with aquarists but not for aquaculturists,( slow growth -

Maximum length 40 cm.

A highly esteemed food fish in

Economic importance

Astronotusocellatus  is a species of fish from the cichlid

family, originally described by Louis Agassiz in 1831, although

he mistakenly classified it in the marine genus Lobotes. The

largest of the new world cichlids, they can live 10-20 years and

reach up to a maximum length of 45cm (18 inches) long,

although they are most commonly found 25-30 cm (10-12

inches) in length and 1.6 kilograms (3.5 lb) in weight.

CONCLUSIONS

A popular aquarium fish, Astronotusocellatus has many

common names, including oscar, tiger oscar, velvet cichlid,

or marble cichlid, which reflect a number of bred

ornamental varieties, including long-finned varieties and

various color morphs. Oscars are native to the Amazon river basin,

especially shallow, quiet floodplains and swamps. Native

oscars usually show characteristic orange ringed, bilateral

ocelli (eyespots) at the base of their tail which have been

shown to dissuade predators and also function in sexual

selection, as these fish are very visually oriented

Suction feeders,A. ocellatus are omnivorous, eating

invertebrates such as flies, worms, crayfish, some small fish,

fruit that falls into water, and large oscars will even eat small

vertebrates, such as mice. Oscars are an esteemed food species

in South America, although not commonly eaten elsewhere, as

they grow too slowly for aquaculture. Escaped ornamentals

and individuals purposely introduced into waterways have

established wild populations in Asia, China and North

America. 

An aquarium enthusiast can easily become overwhelmed

by the endless variety of fish, invertebrates (including corals,

anemones, mollusks) plants, and live rock available, and

ultimately forget to consider their source and method of

collection. Although many species in the hobby have been

domesticated and are produced on farms, it is important to

remember that many species are also collected from the wild

and are not in limitless supply.

To help promote resource sustainability, the potential

aquarium owner should develop a basic understanding of

the industry.A conscientious and well-informed consumer

can greatly help protect wild species and safeguard the

natural environment. Sustainability of a wild fisheries

resource is critical to maintenance of a healthy industry.

1. B. Nightingale Devia*, M. Krishnanb, R. Venugopalan and B.K.

Mahapatrad, Agricultural Economics Research Review,Vol.

26(No.1) January-June 2013 pp 83-90,”Artificial Neural Network

Model for Synergy Analysis of Input Markets in Ornamental Fish

Trade in Mumbai”.

2. United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation

Monitoring Centre,(2007),“DRAFT CONSULTATION

PAPER:InternationalTrade in Aquatic Ornamental

SpeciesBackground document”SRG 42/8/a, European

Commission Directorate General E -Environment ENV.E.2. –

Development and Environment.

REFERENCES

•http://www.indiamart.com/fishaquarium-home-gurgaon/aquariu

m-fishes.html#oscar-fish

•http://dir.indiamart.com/impcat/oscar-fish.html

•http://animal-world.com/encyclo/fresh/cichlid/cichlids.htm

•http://www.fishlore.com/profiles-cichlids.htm

•http://www.aquariumfish.net/indexes/cichlids.htm

•http://eol.org/pages/218741/details

•http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscar_(fish)

Internet sources

•http://www.aquariumfish.net/catalog_pages/cichlids_neotropical/o

scars.htm

•http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=436

•http://www.fishbase.org/summary/Astronotus-ocellatus.html

•http://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TS

N&search_value=169772

•http://www.aquariumfish.net/catalog_pages/cichlids_neotropical/c

ichlids_neotropical_table.htm#other

Thanks for your kind attention