Description
Red Albino Oscar Cichlid (Astronotus ocellatus – captive-bred strain)
The Red Albino Oscar Cichlid is a stunning and popular variety of Oscar, selectively bred for its brilliant red-orange coloration contrasted against a pale cream or white body. With its bold colors, graceful swimming, and lively personality, this Oscar makes a dramatic centerpiece in large aquariums. Their albino genetics give them a unique, glowing appearance that stands out compared to wild-type or darker Oscar strains.
Like all Oscars, the Red Albino is intelligent and interactive, often recognizing its owner and even learning to take food from the hand. However, they grow large and require spacious aquariums with strong filtration to handle their activity and waste. While semi-aggressive, they are typically less hostile than some Central American cichlids and can coexist with other large, robust fish in properly sized aquariums.
Quick Facts:
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Scientific Name: Astronotus ocellatus (Red Albino strain)
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Common Name: Red Albino Oscar Cichlid
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Origin: Captive-bred (wild ancestors from the Amazon Basin, South America)
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Max Size: ~12–14 inches
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Temperament: Semi-aggressive; territorial, but very personable with owners
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Diet: Omnivorous – cichlid pellets, shrimp, krill, earthworms, insects, vegetables, occasional live foods
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Tank Size: 90+ gallons for a single, 125+ gallons for a pair
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Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)
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pH: 6.0–7.5
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Hardness: Soft to moderate (3–12 dGH)
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Experience Level: Intermediate to advanced
Why Choose the Red Albino Oscar?
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Brilliant red coloration with a unique pale cream-white body
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Highly intelligent, interactive, and full of personality
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Hardy and adaptable, suitable for large community setups with robust tank mates
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A stunning showpiece fish for aquarists with large aquariums
