Grunnleggende informasjon
Oscars (Astronotus ocellatus) are family Cichlidae fish that are often seen as aquarium pets. These New World cichlids are widely appreciated because they, unlike many other types of fish, often develop the ability to remember their caretakers. Other common handles for the species are marble cichlid, tiger oscar and velvet cichlid.
Kroppsfarging
- Oscars are sizable fish, and in maturity usually grow to lengths of 8 to 14 inches. They have sturdy physiques and relatively oval forms. Most of their physical features -- mouths, eyes and heads -- are big. Oscars originated in South America, in areas such as the Orinoco river basin. Through accidental introduction in the United States, they are often a sport fish in the Florida area. Oscars have been spotted wild throughout the United States, including in Mississippi, Texas, Georgia, Arizona and Massachusetts.
Fargeendringer i redde oscars
- The foundations of their narrow bodies are deep brown, grey or greenish-yellow. It's also common for oscars to have speckling of all of these colors. Their backs feature crimson stripes, and they also possess singular reddish or orange circles that are situated right by their caudal fins. Oscar youngsters have white blotting on their heads, along with corrugated orange and white bands on their bodies. Depending on the oscar's exact location, however, coloring can differ drastically within the species. The genders look extremely similar to one another.
Fargeendringer i defensive oscars
- Oscars have the remarkable ability to lighten their body coloration -- a talent that is not uncommon within the cichlid world. This transformation in tone occurs swiftly and is believed to be a sign of apprehension. Oscars frequently "lighten up" when other creatures approach them aggressively, whether predators or even specimens of their own type.