Common Name: Bumblebee Oscar
Scientific Name: Astronotus orbicularis
Other Names: Bumblebee Cichlid, Bumblebee Tiger Oscar
The Bumblebee Oscar is a striking and highly popular freshwater cichlid known for its bold yellow-and-black coloration, which resembles the pattern of a bumblebee. This fish is closely related to the more common Oscar varieties but stands out due to its unique coloration.
Habitat and Distribution:
The Bumblebee Oscar, like other Oscar species, is native to the river systems of South America, particularly in the Amazon and Orinoco River Basins. They are found in slow-moving waters, including rivers, floodplains, and lakes with dense vegetation and submerged debris, which provide plenty of hiding spots and hunting grounds.
Size and Lifespan:
In both the wild and captivity, Bumblebee Oscars can grow up to 12-14 inches (30-35 cm) in length. With proper care, their lifespan can range from 10 to 15 years, depending on the quality of their diet and water conditions.
Diet and Behavior:
Bumblebee Oscars are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of foods in their natural habitat, including small fish, insects, and plant matter. In an aquarium, their diet should include high-quality cichlid pellets, live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and mealworms, and occasional fresh vegetables like peas or spinach. These cichlids are known for their intelligent, interactive behavior, often recognizing and responding to their owners. They are generally semi-aggressive and can become territorial, especially during feeding or breeding.
Breeding and Reproduction:
Breeding Bumblebee Oscars in captivity is possible but can be challenging due to their territorial nature. They are substrate spawners, with the female laying eggs on flat surfaces such as rocks or driftwood. Both parents guard the eggs and fry, showing strong parental care. To encourage breeding, provide a large tank with plenty of hiding spots, maintain optimal water conditions with regular water changes, and feed a varied diet to enhance their health and breeding readiness.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
Due to their size and territorial nature, Bumblebee Oscars require a large aquarium, with a minimum of 75 gallons recommended for adult specimens. The tank should have a soft, sandy substrate and include plenty of rocks, driftwood, and hiding spots to mimic their natural habitat and reduce stress. Oscars are notorious for digging up plants, so artificial plants or sturdy, well-rooted species are recommended. Efficient filtration and regular water changes are essential to maintaining water quality. The water temperature should be kept between 75-82°F (24-28°C), with a pH of 6.5-7.5 and soft to moderately hard water.
Ideal Tank Mates:
Bumblebee Oscars can be kept with other large, robust fish that share similar water parameter requirements. Suitable tank mates include other large cichlids, large catfish, and similarly sized species. Avoid housing them with small or delicate fish, as Oscars may see them as prey. It is also important to avoid overly aggressive species that may provoke territorial disputes.
Difficulty Level:
Intermediate. While Bumblebee Oscars are hardy and adaptable, their large size, territorial behavior, and specific tank requirements make them suitable for aquarists with some experience. Their interactive nature and bold coloration make them a rewarding addition to large aquariums.
Water Parameters:
• Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
• pH: 6.5-7.5
• General Hardness (GH): 4-12 dGH
• Carbonate Hardness (KH): 4-8 dKH
• Ammonia: 0 ppm (ideal)
• Nitrite: 0 ppm (ideal)
• Nitrate: <20 ppm (ideal)
