by Virginia Gaces

Created on: October 26, 2008   Last Updated: February 19, 2009

The fish species Astronotus ocellatus or commonly called oscars or "janitor" fishes because they would usually "clean up" an aquarium because they feed on small organisms and fishes. Caring for oscars is therefore good when you want to have an aquarium that would be free of other contaminating debris. There are certain things that you should consider when you choose to have an oscar with the rest of your aquarium fishes.

Here are the basic measures that are observed when caring for oscars:

1.Just like with all fishes, the fish water tank should be clean and regularly changed. Long standing, stagnant water would breed harmful bacteria and parasites. The water should be plenty and more than 10 gallons. Be sure to check for any contaminants like excess fluorine or toxic substances that might be present in the water.

2. When using a filter, the filter should be checked now and then to ensure that it is working effectively. There should be sufficient oxygen provided through a well cleaned source.

3. The water temperature should be maintained at 25-30 degrees centigrade. Higher or lower temperatures would endanger the fish and would enhance growth of contaminants like bacteria, fungi and parasites. It would also cause disturbances in the normal physiological functions of the fish. Care should be taken therefore, to maintain this crucial temperature.

4. The oscar feeds on small fishes like guppies and insects. Feeding the oscar once a day is sufficient and ensures that it is properly fed. When feeding it with these fishes, ascertain that they are free of ick or any disease because this may infect the oscar.

5. The oscar can grow more than a foot, so an ample and spacious aquarium should be provided for it. There should be spaces for him to hide too because it is its nature.

6. Be sure not to house small fishes with your oscar, if you do not want them eaten. Oscars are carnivores and would eat anything smaller and the less aggressive organisms; that is why they are called "janitors".

7. Be on the look out for murky fish tank waters. If this occurs, discard the water and put in a fresh change of water. Even if oscars are janitors, they are still affected by dirty and contaminated water environment.

Aside from the pleasure derived in seeing your pet fish growing bigger and longer, it is also believed that an oscar in an aquarium is an omen of good luck.

Whatever you believed in, don't hesitate to buy that oscar for your fish tank. Although, the fish is not visually as attractive as the other colorful fishes, it has very useful advantages.

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