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GIANT OSCAR

THE PEACOCK BASS COUSIN

 

The oscar (Astronotus ocellatus) is a species of fish from the cichlid family known under a variety of common names, including tiger oscar, velvet cichlid, and marble cichlid. In South America, where the species naturally resides, A. ocellatus specimens are often found for sale as a food fish in the local markets. The fish has been introduced to other areas, including China, Australia, and the United States. It is considered a popular aquariumfish in the U.S.

Distribution
Widely-distributed in the Amazon region and has been recorded in Colombia, Venezuela, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, French Guiana, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina. Across this range it has been collected from numerous river systems, including the Ucayali, Solimões, Amazonas, Negro, Madeira, Tapajós, Tocantins, Orinoco, Approuague, and Oyapock. Feral populations also exist in several countries, including Singapore and the USA.

 

Habitat
Most often found in the shallows of slow-moving or still waters in forested areas. It appears to favour silt-laden white water habitats, where it is typically associated with submerged tree roots or under cover of marginal vegetation.

 

Maximum Standard Length: 

250 – 350 mm.

 

Diet
This species is a generalised omnivore, feeding on a range of items including smaller fish, insects, crustaceans, zooplankton and various types of both terrestrial and aquatic vegetation in the wild, although meatier foods appear to be the preferred option with fruit and other plant material being taken when prey is scarce.

This species is also referred to as: ‘velvet cichlid’, ‘red oscar’, ‘tiger oscar’, or ‘marble cichlid’.

BEST TIME TO FISH:

OCTOBER THROUGH MARCH

 

Capt Marc will take his groups during the prime fishing season and not just to fill a week, we have prime weeks reserved for the most possible productive trips to the Amazon, contact us for full details and dates. Trips fill up fast and early.

River Monsters

in the Rio Negro River

The Little Fighter

Some of the other fish you will catch are the rainbow peacock or "Jacunda" or even a Giant Oscar which are all in the CICHLIDA FAMILY; just look for the eye in the tail. 

The supreme pan fish of the upper Amazon. Verydelicious. Popular aquarium fish, great fighters. They prefer log jams,tree falls and floating vegetation. Whenever I catch one that is worth eating, I always think how much people pay for a full size live Oscar for their fish tank, and I claim that I am eating the most expensive meal in the Amazon

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