Woodthorpe Hall Aquatics Red Tiger Oscar (Astronotus Ocellatus)

Tiger Oscars (Astronotus ocellatus) are revered members of the South American Cichlid family, prized by aquarists for their commanding presence and vibrant colouration. Known for their unique personalities and individual traits, Oscars have gained a dedicated following among fish enthusiasts. These cichlids require ample space to thrive, with juveniles initially suitable for compact aquariums but quickly outgrowing them.

A spacious aquarium capable of accommodating a community of at least 5 or 6 individuals is essential to ensure optimal husbandry. Smaller groups may experience territorial aggression, while solitary specimens may display signs of loneliness. However, introducing a compatible adult pair is an exception to this guideline, as they typically resist the addition of newcomers to their established domain.

Compatibility

It's crucial to note that Tiger Oscars are unsuitable for community tanks due to their predatory nature, which can threaten smaller fish. However, they can coexist peacefully with larger catfish species like the Common Pleco, Synodontis, or Pimelodid Catfish, providing enough space and compatibility among tank mates. The aquarium should provide ample open swimming areas and sturdy decorations to prevent instability, as Oscars tend to rearrange their environment. Avoid aquatic plants as they may be uprooted. Protect heaters from damage and ensure adequate tank coverage to prevent jumping. With their growth potential and waste production, a robust external filtration system is necessary, along with regular water changes, to maintain water quality and prevent diseases like hole-in-the-head.

Diet

Tiger Oscars' diet is carnivorous and varied, reflecting their natural behaviour as opportunistic predators. They consume various prey in the wild, including fish, insects, crustaceans, and small vertebrates. In captivity, providing a balanced diet is essential for their well-being. A staple diet for Oscars typically includes high-quality pellets or flakes designed for large Cichlids, with a protein content of around 40-50%. To mimic their natural diet, supplement their meals with occasional live or frozen foods such as feeder fish, shrimp, crickets, and earthworms. Variety is important for nutrition, so consider rotating their diet with fish fillets, prawns, and other seafood. While primarily carnivorous, incorporating occasional vegetable matter like blanched spinach or peas can contribute to their overall health.

Origin and Environment

Tiger Oscars are native to several South American countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname, Peru, and Venezuela. Its habitat spans the extensive Amazon River basin, encompassing prominent river systems such as the Amazon, Içá, Negro, Solimões, and Ucayali. Additionally, the Oscar can be found in the Approuague and Oyapock River Drainages. This species predominantly inhabits slow-moving white-water environments in its natural habitat, often seeking shelter under submerged branches and other aquatic structures. Feral populations have emerged in distant regions, including China, northern Australia, Florida, and the USA, primarily due to the global ornamental fish trade. It's important to note that the Oscar's distribution is limited by its sensitivity to cooler water temperatures.

Payment Methods

We accept all major Credit and Debit cards, and these are processed via a third party payment gateway called Opayo. 

We also accept payments via PayPal, PayPal credit, Clearpay and Klarna which are both pay in 4 interest-free instalments. 

Also, you can pay using Android and Apple Pay if you are using a compatible device. 

Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.

Security

When speaking to one of our team, we will never ask you for your bank details, passwords or any private information. We will only ever ask for your order number followed by either your postcode, email address or phone number to verify we are talking to the person named on the account. 

When creating an account on our website, we ask that you use a unique password, this will help keep all your online accounts safe. If you are visiting our website via a smartphone we suggest you use the strong password and store it securely on your phone. 

Our website is run on Visual Soft, which means all your data is stored securely on their servers. 

Next Day Shipping cut off is at Noon/12:00pm

Orders after that time will be processed the next working day

Please Note: Certain ponds, aquariums, all pond plants, and all livestock are excluded from free delivery.

The blue highlighted area on the map below is where we deliver on our own vehicle. Unfortunately, if you are not in one of these postcode zones we are unable to deliver certain items such as plants, small glass items and selective other products.

We offer a few different delivery options depending on the size and value of your order.

Certain orders over £50 qualify for free mainland UK (excludes Northern Ireland, Pond Plants, and livestock) delivery which will arrive within 3-5 working days of the order being processed.

Orders Below £50 in Mainland UK will be charged a standard delivery fee of £5.99.

Pond Plant and Tropical/Marine/Pond Livestock will be charged a delivery fee of £19.99.

Additional Shipping Charges

For any orders that do not include Aquariums, the below is charged:

Next Working Day Parcel Delivery to Mainland UK - £7.99 OR £2.99 if the order is over £50 (excludes Northern Ireland)

Standard Parcel Delivery to Northern Ireland £8.99

Standard Parcel Delivery to Scottish Highlands & Islands £9.99

Standard Parcel Delivery to Jersey & Guernsey £12.99

For all Aquarium, Medium - Extra Large Terrarium/Vivarium/Paludarium deliveries (Excluding biOrbs & Smaller Aquariums), the below is charged:

You must be present for delivery and please check your item before signing for delivery.

A payment link will be sent to you if redelivery is required.

Next Working Day Pallet Delivery - £20

2 Hour Booking Slot Pallet Delivery - £20

Pallet Delivery to Northern Ireland - £45

Saturday and OptiClear 90 & 120 Delivery - £60

Pallet Delivery to Isle of Wight (PO30 and Above) and Scottish Highlands (AB, PH, IV1-36, IV, KW1-14, KY, PA21-41) - £45

Pallet Delivery to the Scottish Isles (KA27-28, PA60-90, ZE, JE, GY, IM, IV40-56, KW15-17, PH42-44, PA20, PA42-49) - £120

Pallet Delivery to Outer Hebrides (HS) - £140

Pond's over 1000 litres will be a curb side pallet delivery.

Aquariums over 125 litre will be a curb side pallet delivery.

The couriers we use are Royal Mail, DX, APC, and UPN.

Standard Delivery

Northern Ireland Standard Delivery

Next Day Delivery

Cut off is Noon/12:00pm

Saturday Delivery

Cut off is Noon/12:00pm

Livestock Delivery

Cut off is Noon/12:00pm

Plant Delivery

Cut off is Noon/12:00pm

Standard Curb Side Pallet Delivery

Cut off is Noon/12:00pm

Next Day Curb Side Pallet Delivery

Cut off is Noon/12:00pm

Saturday Curb Side Pallet Delivery

Cut off is Noon/12:00pm

Northern Ireland Curb Side Pallet Delivery