Description

Description

🐠 Lemon Oscar Cichlid

📌 Basic Info

  • Scientific Name: Astronotus ocellatus (Lemon Variant)

  • Family: Cichlidae

  • Origin: South America (Amazon River Basin, aquarium-bred color morph)

  • Size: 10 – 12 inches (25 – 30 cm)

  • Lifespan: 10 – 15 years

  • Tank Zone: Mid to Bottom

🌊 Water Parameters

  • TDS: 100 – 200 ppm

  • pH: 6.0 – 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

  • Temperature: 24 – 28°C (75 – 82°F)

  • Hardness: 5 – 15 dGH

🐟 Characteristics

  • Bright lemon-yellow body with orange-golden glow.

  • Large, intelligent, and interactive fish – often recognize owners.

  • Semi-aggressive, territorial, but can be calm with the right mates.

  • Strong diggers – rearrange decorations and uproot plants.

  • Best for experienced aquarists due to their size and care needs.

🍽️ Food

  • Type: Omnivorous (predatory tendencies)

  • Diet: High-quality cichlid pellets, prawns, crickets, mealworms, earthworms, bloodworms, and occasional vegetables like peas or spinach.

  • Feeding: 1–2 times daily, in moderate amounts.

🛠️ Maintenance

  • Tank Size: Minimum 75 gallons for one, 100+ gallons for a pair.

  • Weekly Water Change: 30–40%.

  • Strong filtration is required due to heavy waste production.

  • Avoid live plants (they uproot them) – use rocks, driftwood, and sturdy décor.

👥 Social Behavior

  • Minimum Group Size: Can be kept singly or as a bonded pair.

  • Tank Mates: Other large cichlids (Severum, Silver Arowana, Green Terror), Plecos, Silver Dollars, large Catfish.

  • Avoid: Small fish (they will be eaten), aggressive rivals (Flowerhorn, Jaguar Cichlid).

Do’s

  • Keep in a large, well-filtered tank.

  • Provide hiding spots and open swimming space.

  • Feed a varied, protein-rich diet.

  • Keep water stable and clean.

Don’ts

  • Don’t keep in small or overcrowded tanks.

  • Don’t mix with tiny or delicate fish.

  • Don’t skip water changes – Oscars are messy eaters.

  • Don’t overfeed – prone to obesity and digestive issues.

Quick Tips
The Lemon Oscar Cichlid is a stunning and intelligent giant cichlid that becomes a true pet-like companion.
They are hardy but need big tanks, good filtration, and careful tank mates.
A perfect choice for aquarists who want a colorful, interactive centerpiece fish.