Albino Tiger Oscar XL

The Albino Tiger Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus) is a striking freshwater cichlid renowned for its creamy-white body adorned with vibrant orange-red patterns. This XL variant, typically measuring between 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm), showcases the species’ impressive size and commanding presence. Known for their intelligence and interactive behavior, Albino Tiger Oscars often recognize their owners and can even be trained to accept food directly from their hands.

Features

• Species: Astronotus ocellatus

• Common Names: Albino Tiger Oscar, Albino Oscar

• Size: Up to 12 inches (30 cm)

• Lifespan: 10 to 15 years with proper care

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive; territorial, especially during breeding

• Diet: Omnivorous; thrives on high-quality pellets, supplemented with live or frozen foods like earthworms, crickets, and shrimp

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 74F to 80F (23C to 27C)

  • pH Level: 6.0 to 8.0

  • Hardness: 5 to 20 DGH

Why Choose the Albino Tiger Oscar?

• Visual Impact: Its unique coloration and large size make it a standout centerpiece in any large aquarium.

• Interactive Nature: Known for their intelligence, these fish often interact with their owners, recognizing feeding times and displaying unique behaviors.

• Adaptability: Hardy and adaptable to a range of water conditions, making them suitable for experienced aquarists.

• Longevity: With proper care, they offer years of companionship and entertainment.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons (473 liters) for a single adult; larger tanks required for multiple specimens

• Substrate: Soft sand or fine gravel to accommodate their digging behavior

• Decor: Sturdy decorations like driftwood and rocks; avoid sharp edges and ensure items are securely placed

• Filtration: High-capacity filtration system to handle the substantial bioLoad regular water changes (25-30% weekly) are essential.

Compatible Tank Mates

While Albino Tiger Oscars can be territorial, they may coexist with similarly sized and temperament-matched species:

• Silver Dollars: Peaceful and fast-moving, making them suitable companions

• Large Plecos: Bottom dwellers that generally avoid conflict

• Jack Dempseys: Comparable in size and temperament

• Bichirs: Bottom-dwelling and armored, reducing the risk of aggression.

Feeding Recommendations

• Staple Diet: High-quality cichlid pellets formulated for large carnivorous fish

• Supplements: Live or frozen foods such as earthworms, crickets, shrimp, and occasional vegetables like blanched spinach

• Feeding Frequency: Once or twice daily; avoid overfeeding to maintain water quality.

Care Tips

• Regular Maintenance: Perform weekly water changes of 25-30% to maintain optimal water quality

• Monitor Behavior: Watch for signs of aggression or stress, especially when introducing new tank mates

• Provide Enrichment: Introduce floating toys or varied decor to stimulate their intelligent nature

• Health Checks: Regularly inspect for signs of common cichlid ailments, such as hole-in-the-head disease.

FAQs

Can Albino Tiger Oscars be kept in a community tank?
Due to their size and territorial nature, they are best kept with similarly sized and temperament-matched species.

Do they require a heater?
Yes, maintaining a stable temperature between 74F to 80F (23C to 27C) is essential for their health.

How often should I feed my Oscar?
Feed once or twice daily, offering only as much as they can consume in a few minutes to prevent overfeeding.

Are they suitable for beginners?
Due to their size, dietary needs, and tank requirements, they are more suitable for intermediate to experienced aquarists.