Astronotus: the only cichlids with an Oscar

In the world of aquarium keeping, among the huge variety of cichlids, there is one fish that even those who are not interested in aquariums know. This is the astronotus, a large, expressive, and incredibly charismatic fish. Many people know it by a name that sounds almost like a movie award — Oscar.

Interestingly, this nickname has stuck only to them. Hundreds of other species of cichlids — from angelfish to discus — have their own names, but only astronotus have been awarded such a sonorous and recognizable “title.” This speaks to their special status as true stars of the underwater world, capable of capturing everyone's attention.

Their star role is well deserved. Astronotus not only have a striking appearance, but also remarkable intelligence. They are able to recognize their owner, beg for food, and demonstrate unique behavior. Getting such a fish means getting a real pet with character, not just a moving decoration for an aquarium.

After about 7 days, viable larvae hatch from the eggs. Falling to the bottom, they immediately begin to search for food. Sexual differences – the male differs from the female in the first ray of the pectoral fin, which has the appearance of a hard, bony spine of an orange-red color. The female is noticeably fuller than the male. Dianema urostriata

The photo shows thoracatum eggs.

Starting food: live dust, finely chopped tubifex, other finely ground dry food. The most important thing when keeping any fish is to ensure that there are no excessive concentrations in the aquarium.

The photo shows a female thoracatum.

Types of thoracatums

And

The photo shows a thoracatum larva.

However, tarakatums, as a family of armored catfish, also include: Hoplosternum littorale (Beige Hoplosternum) and Hoplosternum magdaienae (Magdalena Hoplosternum), as well as the Long-nosed Dianema – Dianema longibarbis and Dianema urostriata and many others. Hoplosternum thoracatum, as a separate representative of armored catfish, has no analogues; there is only an albino form—here it is.

The most difficult thing about breeding tarakatums is selecting the breeders. They reproduce in pairs. Pairs form independently, but based on their tastes and preferences. Therefore, it is best to keep tarakatums in a group, from which breeding pairs will easily form on their own. Vladox tests

Against a dark background, the body has a reddish-rusty spotted coloration. Protruding lips and bulging eyes against the background of a large head reveal the predatory cichlid in the astronotus.

Oscars acquire their reddish color when they reach sexual maturity. When young, they are white-gray on a dark background.

It is difficult to distinguish between adult (and young) Astronotus based on sexual characteristics. Here are a few differences:

• males have a steeper and more convex forehead.
• males have longer pelvic fins.

• the eyes of males are located further apart.
• males are usually larger (but not always).

Contents. Aquarium and diet

Astronotus require a species-specific aquarium. It is best to keep adult Oscars in pairs. Mixing them with other species is dangerous.

One individual requires at least 200 liters. A pair needs at least 400 liters in a species-specific aquarium. Water replacement in the tank — up to 35% once a week.

Water parameters:

Equipment:

a simple aerator may not be sufficient.

the temperature should not be lowered below 22 °C.

In a species aquarium, the substrate should be made of small pebbles and stones. Coarse sand is acceptable but not essential. Large stones, driftwood, and bamboo sticks will be useful at the bottom—even predatory astronotus need hiding places.

It is better to use artificial plants. Astronotus will quickly dig up and destroy real aquatic plants.

It is best to use special commercial dry and frozen foods for cichlids as the main food.

The following are suitable as additions:

Reproduction and breeding

It is important to purchase or have a formed pair of Astronotus. Not all two opposite-sex Oscars always produce offspring.

Usually, fry develop in a separate species-specific aquarium, where pairs are formed. A pair that has formed independently, separated and transferred to a separate tank, is almost guaranteed to produce offspring throughout its life.

Oscar males reach sexual maturity at the age of 2 years. Females reach maturity a little later, at 2-2.5 years.

Spawning stimulation in a species-specific aquarium:

1. Raising the temperature to 28-29 °C,
2. Frequent water changes — up to once a day, 15-20%.

The eggs are laid on a stone, which the pair cleans beforehand. There are usually between 500 and 1,000 eggs.

The larvae appear after a few days. They survive and feed independently, but it is necessary to feed the offspring. Starting from the second week, feed them live dust, gradually switching to small dry food for fry.

— Alexey Podolsky Kazan, 4 years of experience in aquascaping

Subspecies and varieties

There are two species of the Astronotus genus in 2022:

The first species is rarely used in aquariums (limited to North America). The second species, ocellatus (eye-spotted cichlid), is popular worldwide.

There are the following varieties of ocellatus or spotted cichlid (the list is not complete, as new color morphs are constantly appearing):

Compatibility and coexistence

Astronotus are usually kept in a species-specific aquarium. The ideal option is a formed pair. If the tank is large enough, it is acceptable to place two pairs or several young individuals in it.

Other species will inevitably provoke aggression from astronotus, especially during the spawning season. Experienced aquarists try to combine astronotus with plecostomus, cichlids (in a broad sense), and hybrid parrots, but as a rule, this does not prevent injury.

More care tips:

Advice for owners

• If you constantly feed the astronotus, keeping the food at the surface of the water, it may get used to it and start taking food from your hand. But this does not always work. And be careful — they can really pinch your finger.
• Make sure you have a lid for the aquarium. If they don't jump out, they can splash everything a couple of meters around while feeding.
• In the summer, you can catch crickets and grasshoppers near your home — astronotus love them.

Astronotus are large, bright aquarium fish from the cichlid family, often referred to as “Oscars.” In fact, “Oscar” is not a separate species, but simply a nickname by which the astronotus is known in the world of aquarists. These fish stand out not only for their beautiful colors and intelligent behavior, but also for their special ability to recognize their owners and even perform simple “tricks.” Among all cichlids, only the astronotus has received such an informal name — and now they are almost universally called Oscars, although scientifically they are the same thing.

Video review of Astronotus

Astronotus have rightfully earned their “Oscar” title in the world of aquarium keeping. These are not just large fish, they are real personalities underwater, with their own character and habits that cannot be confused with anyone else. It is this individuality that makes them so memorable.

They are not suitable for every aquarium. Their impressive size and appetite require a lot of space and responsibility from the owner. But if you are ready to provide them with proper care, you will get an amazing and even responsive pet.

In essence, astronotus are living proof that fish can be more than just decoration. They interact with their owner, show curiosity, and create their own lively, dynamic story in the aquarium. This is the main thing that distinguishes them from many other cichlids.