Bumblebee Oscar

Remarks:  Almost every fishkeeper is familiar with the ever-popular Oscar fish but not all know that there are other species of Oscar. The bumblebee Oscar, also known as the big eye or fat Oscar, is the only other officially recognized species belonging to the Astronotus genus. They are known to mostly be found in Brazil but sometimes occur in neighboring countries. Their appearance is similar to the typical Oscar though their pattern is notably made up of more uniform dark gray/black vertical bands rather than the striated pattern most are used to. Bumblebee oscars also show more yellow or light orange color rather than the typical dark orange or red of the traditional Oscar. While their coloration might not be quite as vibrant as the traditional Oscar, they make up for it in having a more manageable size as they never exceed 10” in length compared to the usual 12-14” that common oscars can grow to. This smaller size compared with a reportedly more mellow disposition makes the bumblebee oscar a better candidate for a South American cichlid community tank though they still will be happiest in a solitary fish tank.

  Oscars have been a mainstay in the fish keeping hobby for many years and are typically very recognizable to even those outside of the hobby. Many are wowed by their bright coloration, impressive size, and entertaining personalities. They have a long lifespan and can be quite personable with their owners, even eating from their hands after some training exercises! All of these traits combined with the hardiness shown in captive bred fish have made oscars the favorite of many keepers.

  Despite their popularity, oscars are not the greatest fish for beginners. Oscars are what many consider to be tank-busters, though this species is the smaller of the two known species they still require a decent amount of swimming space. They can be notoriously territorial upon maturity despite seeming rather docile when young, so there are very few if any options for tank-mates. Oscars are known to swallow any fish that fits in their mouth and ramming and biting those too big to swallow that enter their territory. Being solitary animals outside of spawning, adult oscars usually do best when kept alone. While some can be kept in a very large tank with similarly sized and tempered fish, one should always have a plan in place in case the oscar becomes too aggressive. Spawning pairs will usually work together to protect fry but can turn on each other when not raising young, so plans should also be in place in case they need to be separated temporarily such as with tank dividers.

  When keeping oscars, it tends to be the case that the fish decides on how the tank is decorated rather than the keeper. This is because oscars will dig and rearrange decor to their liking no matter how many times the keeper flattens the substrate and moves decor back into place. While some find this frustrating, others are amused by the stubbornness oscars display in regards to how their home is set up. Plants are also not safe as oscars will tend to eat them or simply dig them up constantly. Some can get away with hardy plants such as Anubias, but even these plants can sometimes get destroyed. If one wants a particular piece of decor to remain in a certain spot, it is best to glue it in place otherwise they will be at the mercy of their oscar.

  Oscars are primarily carnivores, feeding on fish, insects, crustaceans, and anything else that can fit in their mouths. However, wild fish will occasionally feed on fruits and nuts that fall in the water as well as graze on aquatic vegetation. In captivity, they should be fed a varied diet high in protein with the occasional vegetable or algae based food. Feeder goldfish are highly advised against as they provide poor nutritional value and can pass diseases on to the oscar. If not provided a proper diet, they will be much more susceptible to diseases such as hole-in-the-head. Some have reported adding a vitamin C supplement to their foods also helps prevent this disease.

  Oscars have a formidable appetite and will usually beg for food from their owner once they learn to recognize them. With how much they eat along with being particularly messy eaters, oscars can foul their water very quickly. As they do not tolerate poor water quality, this means large, frequent water changes are a must. High levels of pollutants such as ammonia and nitrates along with high bacterial counts can also contribute to oscars contracting hole-in-the-head disease. This disease can be treated through the use of medications such as metronidazole and by improving their diet and water quality. If cared for properly, this disease will likely not become an issue for those keeping oscars.